
Class Jl_[i4:aLl4' 
Book, ' n il ^ _6X 
Copyright N^__l9i2_ 

COPaUGHT DEPOSIT. ^ V / ^^ 



OUT THERE^ 

^Vritten in 1917 



BY THE SAME AUTHOR 
" Peg O' My Heart " 

A novel founded by Mr. Manners 
on his Comedy of Youth 
of the same title 

" Happiness " and Other 
Plays 

'" Wreckage " 
A Drama in Three Acts 

In Preparation 

"The Harp of Life" 
A Comedy 




Courtesy of White Studio 

" 'Auxted" Annie 



OUT THERE 

A DRAMATIC COMPOSITION 
IN THREE PARTS 



BT 

J. HARTLEY MANNERS 



WITH ILLUSTRATIONS FROM FHOTOORAPHS 
OF THE PLAY 



NEW YORK 

DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 

1918 



^ri 



A-^^i 






COPTRIGHT, 1918 

By J. HARTLEY MAjNNERS 

All rights reserved 



m 22 1918 
g)Ci.D 49661 



DEDICATION 

To the wounded men in Cliveden Hospital in 1915, 
whose valour in fighting, courage in suffering, and spir- 
itual exaltation, the outcome of their struggle against 
barbarity, will always be a cherished memory. 

Wherever they go they carry with them my heartfelt 
wishes, my abiding admiration, and my deep and lasting 
affection. 

The Author. 

January, 1918. 



FOREWORD 

My object in preparing this dramatic composition was 
to endeavour to portray something of the feeling in 
England during the first year of the war. To show the 
spirit of patriotism beating through the poorest of 
homes: the courage and endurance of the men who went 
to fight for civilization: and the heroism that endures 
grievous hurt without a murmur. 

It is in no small measure to the fervour and whole- 
souledness of thousands of " 'Aunted Annies " that we 
owe the splendid citizen army of three-and-a-half mil- 
lions raised in the British Empire by voluntary enlist- 
ment. Surely an achievement that will " blaze a trail " 
down through the ages ! 

It is to the " 'Aunted Annies " no less that we owe 
the amazing output of the great munition factories all 
over the United Kingdom. It is to the white-heat of 
patriotic zeal that in three years from her entrance into 
the war England had outstripped the forty years of 
preparation made by her unscrupulous and brutal foe. 

All honour to the " Annies " of England and her sis- 
ters among the Allies ! 

In the second part I have tried to show the fortitude 
under adversity and the resolute indifference to suf- 
fering so frequently witnessed by my wife and me in 
an English hospital in 1915. Every man in that 
-C vii > 



FOREWORD 

" part " is drawn from life. Their spirit was unfor- 
gettable: their exaltation superb: their desire to see the 
war through to a victorious end inspiring. 

I would like here to express my deep sense of grati- 
tude for the encouraging and generous manner in which 
the play was received in New York. Such appreciation 
lightens the burden and makes easier the road of the 
chronicler of world events as he sees them by the writer 
for the theatre. 

To Laurette Taylor and her loyal associates I owe a 
lasting debt of gratitude for breathing life and soul 
into the characters, and so making the " composition " 
possible. 

Produced at the Globe Theatre, New York, March 
27th, 191 7j it was temporarily withdrawn of June 2nd, 
and revived on September 24th, 1917^ at the Liberty 
Theatre, New York. 

So much had occurred during the summer months in 
the way of active opposition to the war policy of Presi- 
dent Wilson by obstructing the draft law: incendiary 
fires in various parts of the country: strikes in mines: 
street-corner agitators: ravings of "conscientious objec- 
tors " and pacifists that I thought it advisable to change 
the whole tenor of " Annie's " speech in Trafalgar 
Square. It was no longer a question of recruiting: con- 
scription had been passed. It became a duty to expose 
the danger of such methods of retarding the Adminis- 
tration in its great work. Consequently, on September 
24th, in place of the recruiting appeal the following 
-C viii y 



FOREWORD 

speech was spoken by Laurette Taylor from the Nelson 
Monument in Trafalgar Square : — 

It's funny, me standin' up 'ere tryin' t' maike speeches 
t' you. Y' know I ain' got much of a vocabyerlerry, 
but I've faand it ain't alwa's the biggest words as 
maikes big things clear. Arter all, y' tells 'ow y'r fel- 
ler loves y' by the w'y 'e looks at y' — not by w'at 'e 
says. An' y' know a f rien's a f rien' — not by w'at's 
said, but by the hatmosphere thet's maide w'en y' both 
come t'gether. So I want y' t' see in me eyes a great 
love f'r me own kind as I speak. An' I want y' t' feel 
a hatmosphere o' frien's-like, no matter w'at I say — 
an' I got t' speak rough t'night, 'cause I'm addressin' 
my remarks t' thick-skinned people — them there con- 
shihenshus hobjectors. 

/ ain' f'r war, I'm f'r peace. But once y'r country's 
in it, I don't see w'at y're goin' t' do but 'elp. D' you? 

O' corse we've got conscripshun, but I want t' talk t' 
them conshihenshus hobjectors an' pacissyfists as says 
they don' b'lieve in war. W'at do it matter if they 
don' b'lieve in war.^ Bli' me, 'oo does? Aatside o' the 
'Uns! 

Don' b'lieve in it ! 'Ere it is ! Y' cam' tell Gawd y' 
don' b'lieve in Death an' expec' t' live f'r hever jus' be- 
cause y' said it. Y' know, the 'ole world earn' be wrong 
abaat the 'Un. Look at America! Wasn' she tolerant? 
Germany said, " She won' come in. She's too busy 
caantin' 'er money." But Hamerica 'as come in, — with 
-C ix > 



FOREWORD 

both 'an's, — an' both feet, — and hairaplanes. D' you 
know w'at a Hamerican general said abaat hairaplanes? 
'E said as a fleet o' hairaplanes was the proper brood o' 
the Hamerican eagle. An' I 'opes as 'ow the heagle'll 
prove a rabbit at it ! 

Pacissyfists ! Conshihenshus hobjectors! W'at kind 
o' fellers are they? Just as we're lickin' the henemy, 
an' lickin' 'im good, they stands up an' says, "'Ere! 
W'at 're y' doin'? I want peace!" Well, so do Hi! 
So do we all! But ye don't want no 'aZ/-peace, an' then 
'ave t' go through it all over again as soon as the 
henemy 's 'ad time t' git 'is bloomin' hefficiency workin', do 
we? This 'as got t' be the hend o' war, an' t' maike it 
so we got t' beat the fellers as thinks nothin', does 
nothin', and schevies nothin' but war. I tell y', boys, 
them fellers 'as got t' be licked, an' licked good, until 
the very word " War," maikes 'em sick to 'ear it. We 
don' want pacissyfists t'd'y. We want fighters. W'en 
they've done their job, an' the henemy 's knocked right 
aat, w'y, we'll all be 'appy pacissyfists t'gether. But, 
first of all, they've got t' prove to us thet the word, 
" Pacissyfist," ain't a kemmerflarge f'r, " I'm afraid t' 
fight." 

I know a funny story abaat one o' these 'ere pacissy- 
fists. A soljer in uniform goes up to 'im one d'y an' 
says, " 'Ere ! W'y ain't you in tlie harmy ? " " 'Cos I 
don' b'lieve in war," says the pacissyfist. " Oh, don't 
y'? " says the soljer. " If the henemy caime over 'ere, 
d' y' mean t' s'y y' wouldn' defend y'r country? " " No, 



FOREWORD 

I wouldn't," says the pacissyfist, " I don' b'lieve in 
fightin'." "Well, bli' me!" says the soljer, "if some 
of 'em caime right inter y'r 'ome an' took it, d' y* mean 
t' say y' wouldn' fight t' keep w'at belonged t' y' ? " 
" No," said the pacissyfist, " I don' b'lieve in fightin'." 
" An' if a man was to 'it y' on the nose, wouldn't y' 'it 
back?" " Cert'nly not," says the man o' peace. "It 
wouldn' be Christian-like." " Well, so 'elp me ! " says 
the soljer, " You're the bloke the 'Uns is lookin' for. 
An' before they gits at y', bli' me, I'll 'ave a cut in 
meself." An' with thet the soljer 'its *im stright on the 
nose. Naa, the pacissyfist 'ad never been 'it before, an' 
w'en 'e felt the paine an' taisted the blood a-runnin' into 
'is maath, w'y, 'e couldn' stand it. 'E ups an' 'its the 
soljer on the jawr. An' then, w'at oh! They went at 
it tooth-an'-nail, a'knockin' of each other daan till their 
eyes was blacked an' their faices all cut abaat. 

Suddenly the soljer stopped an' 'eld aat 'is 'and. 
" Look 'ere ! " 'e says, " You're no bloomin' pacissyfist. 
You're a fighter, you are ! " 

It was too bad 'e 'ad t' be 'it before 'e knoo w'at 'e 
was. Thet kind will fight if the 'Un ever gits over 
'ere, but w'at an 'opeless fight it'll be then. The other 
kind — the kind as burns the country's crops, an' 'olds 
back the Gover'ment by strikes an' sich-like — an' won't 
'elp the boys w'at's gorn aat — they ain't pacissyfist or 
conshi-henshus hobjectors. They're hactive henemies, so 
'elp me ! 

They're a funny lot — pacissyfists ! An' such rea- 

-C xi > 



FOREWORD 

sons as they give! There's the pacissyfist as refuses 
t' fight because 'e's a Christian. To 'im I say, 
" 'Aven't Christians 'ad t' fight f 'r their religion ever 
since 'e caime daan to earth ? " An' how d' y' suppose 
'e feels w'en the henemy destroys the plaices w're 
Christians worship 'im? Destroy 'em, not by hacci- 
dent, but deliberately, so as their henemies shan't find 
no peace an' comfort even there! An' our Lord, 'isself, 
wasn't above showin' 'is raige wiv the money-changers 
in the Temple. 

An' look at the Kaiser ! The Kaiser says, " Me an' 
Gawd." / say to all Christians, " Put a gun on y'r 
shoulder, an' go an' teach thet man t' be respec'ful." 

But of all the difF'rent kinds o' pacissyfists the Hirish 
pacissyfist is the funniest. Himagine a Hirish pacissy- 
fist! It don' seem nachral, do it? An' it ain't nachral. 
There's thaasan's o' Hirishmen aat there a-fightin' f'r 
the Allies, an' thaasan's of 'em as won Victoria Crorsses 
and medals. An' they all believ, like a Hirishman 'ose 
loyalty 'as never been doubted, an' 'oo put it better'n / 
can. 'E said, " I want the freedom of Hireland. I 
want it more 'n anything, 'ere or 'ereafter. But, I 
wouldn' see the freedom of Hireland purchased wiv the 
freedom of Belgium ! " 

So come along, pacissyfists an' conshihenshus hobjec- 
tors ! Be reasonable ! Y' know, you're silly talkin' 
peace wiv the 'Un insultin' y' all 'e knows 'ow. It's no 
use goin' t' meet the henemy wiv Peace an' Goodwill 
in y'r 'an's. 'Ave Peace an' Goodwill in y'r 'earts, but 
-C xii > 



FOREWORD 

be sure y'r 'an*s is full o' s'rapnel. Give 'im the on'y 
sort o' fightin' 'e understan's. Put a gun on y'r shoulder 
an' advarnce singin' the song all the boys sing: 

" We licked you at the Marne, 
An' we beat you on the Aisne. 
We gaive you 'ell at Neuve Chapelle, 
An' 'ere we are, yes, 'ere we are again." 

The crowd join in stretching out their hands to Annie. 

I now leave the " composition " in the reader's hands 
in the hope that, though shorn of the genius of Laurette 
Taylor and her splendid company, it will still convey 
some little idea of England in the first year of the war; 
carry some message from a unified Empire; and leave 
the inspiration of daring to do so that civilization may 
endure. 

The Author 

New York. 

January, 1918 



-C x"i ^ 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Inspiration 1 

Devotion 67 

Revelation 153 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

" 'Aunted " Annie Frontispiece 

FACING 
PAGB 

" Nurse Nightingale " 60 

" 'Appy Annie " 66 

The Nurse 152 



Produced at the 

Globe Theatre, New York City 
on Tuesday, March 27th, 1917, with the following cast: 



PART I 

Inspiration 

A room in a lodging house during the autumn of 1915 



" 'Aunted Annie " 

" Princess " Lizzie 

"Old Velvet" 

'Erb 

Monte 

Dr. Hanwell 



The 



The Surgeori 

The Irishman 

The Cockney 

The Canadian 

The Scotchman 

The New Zealander 

Griffin 

Terence 

A Newcomer 

Another Newcomer 

Gabrielle 

The Help 



Miss Laurette Taylor 
Miss Lynn Fontanne 
Miss Daisy Belmore 
Mr. Lewis Edgard 
Mr. Colin Campbell 
Mr. Frank Kemble Cooper 

PART II 

Devotion 

" Orange Walk " 

Mr. Frank Kemble Cooper 
Mr. J. M. Kerrigan 
Mr. Leonard Mudie 
Mr. Hubert Druce 
Mr. Douglas Ross 
Mr. A. E. Sproston 
Mr. James Archer 
Mr. Henry Oxenford 
Mr. George Kemble 
Mr. Philip Newman 
Miss Catherine Proctor 
Miss Laurette Taylor 

PART III 

Revelation 



Division One — Mrs. Hudd's Rooms 



Mrs. Hudd 
Miss Elizabeth Hudd 
Private Herbert Hudd 
Mr. Montague Marsh 



Division Two 



The Nurse 



Miss Daisy Belmore 
Miss Lynn Fontanne 
Mr. Lewis Edgard 
Mr. Colin Campbell 

A Public Place 

Miss Laurette Taylor 



PART I 
INSPIRATION 



A Room in a Lodging-house during the Autumn op 

1915 

" 'Aunted " Annie 

" Princess " Lizzie 

" Old Velvet " 

'Erb 

Monte 

Doctor Hanwell 



INSPIRATION 

shabby living-room in a poor lodging-house. A few 
wooden chairs; a much-used deal table: some cuttings 
new and old, from illustrated papers, pasted on the 
walls: a battered chest of drawers R., a makeshift 
couch, L. C.J a dresser with cups, saucers, plates, etc., 
and a little cracked hand-mirror, L.; a threadbare 
carpet; and a cheaply-framed photograph of a soldier 
in uniform, thirty-five years old, taken 1899, on wall 
L. over door. The room is on the street level, and 
has three doors, one leading by the passage to the 
street, the others on each side of the room. Street 
door at end of passage. There is a window each side 
of C. door. These are both open. It is a little before 
sunset on an autumn evening. In from the street 
come the sounds of a barrel-organ, in the near distance, 
playing music-hall songs in vogue during 1915, varied 
by an occasional ballad of an earlier day. A plaintive 
voice in the far distance cries in high-register, " Fine 
large shrimps! Fine large shrimps! " as> he slowly 
moves along. Coming from the opposite direction, 
and passing on more rapidly to the accompaniment 
of a loud-sounding bell, a high-pitched voice calls 
defiantly, " Muffins! Muffins! '* When he has 
passed a hoarse voice woos the neighbours xvith " 'Ta- 
< 5 > 



OUT THERE 

ters, all 'ot! All 'ot 'taters! " The Muffin Man can 
still he heard in the distance. 
Monte passes the window R. and goes to the front door. 
The bell in the room just below door L. rings. There 
is no response. It rings the second time, and no one 
answers. As it rings the third time a tall, slim, 
flashily-dressed girl of nineteen comes irritably out of 
an inner room, opens the door into the passage, goes 
out, and opens the street door as far as the chain will 
allow. Her boots creak noisily as she walks. Stand- 
ing on the doorstep is a little, active, good-natured- 
looking young working-man of twenty-three. He is 
in his " best " black clothes, has a clean collar, black 
tie, and a straw hat with a black band around it. 



'Oo is it? 



Monte. 



LIZZIE 



MONTE 



LIZZIE 



Oh Gawd! [She releases the door and holds it open.] 
'Ello, Monte! 



MONTE 



'Ello, Princess ! 



LIZZIE 

Can't come in. Ma's out. 



INSPIRATION 

MONTE 

Oh, is she? 

[He turns sideways and edges iw.] 

LIZZIE 

Yaas. I've got to be chappyroned with you. 

MONTE 

[Edging his way into the passage.] Ain't 'Erb in? 
[Closes front door.] 

LIZZIE 

No. Nor Annie. I'm all alone. 

MONTE 

[Grinning.] Go on! Are ye} 

LIZZIE 

Yaas. So clear out! 

MONTE 

[Grins, pushes past her through the passage, and turns 
at the door of the room.] Can't I come in so far? 

LIZZIE 

[Getting between him and the room; defiantly.] I 

tell ye I'm on me lonesome. So get out! 

[With a gesture as if throwing out something undesir- 
able.] 

< 7 > 



OUT THERE 

MONTE 

[Creeping in a little further.] This won't 'urt, will 
it? 

[He closes inner door.] 

LIZZIE 

'Ere. Wot yer doin' of? You ain't 'arf cheeky! 

MONTE 

I got a new job. Princess. 

LIZZIE 

[Indifferently.] That so? 

MONTE 

Yaas. Start Monday. 

LIZZIE 

Wot as? A mourner? 

MONTE 

Naa, makin' guns. 

LIZZIE 

[Laughs derisively.] Ha! That's funny! 

MONTE 

Wot is ? 

LIZZIE 

You makin' guns. 

MONTE 

Wot's funny abaat it? 

< 8 > 



INSPIRATION 

LIZZIE 

[Laughing sneeringly.] My! Pipe the gun-maker! 
Little six-penn'orth-of-'a'penee. 

MONTE 

[Drawing himself up to his full five feet.] Naa, 
look 'ere. Tha's no wye t' talk. 

LIZZIE 

Oh! " Chise me, gals! I'm makin' guns! I'm 
makin' guns." 

MONTE 

Yer think I can't? Eh? Come daan and watch me. 

LIZZIE 

Noj old dear. I goes t' the thea,ytre w'en I wants t' 
laugh. 

MONTE 

Take care, Princess Lizzie ! Don' pl'y with me. 

LIZZIE 

Go an' pl'y by y'rself. 

MONTE 

'Cos I come raand t' see y'r ma. 

LIZZIE 

O? Wat abaat? 

MONTE 

'Er daughter. 

< 9 > 



OUT THERE 



Wot ? Annie ? 

Naa^ you! 

Oh! Is that so? 

Yaas. 

Wat ahaat me? 



UZZIE 



MONTE 



LIZZIE 



MONTE 



LIZZIE 



MONTE 

[Nervously.'] Y' see, Monday I got t' go t' Woolwich. 
T' the Arsenal. 

LIZZIE 

Oh! Oh! [Laughs. Sings.'] 

" I'm workin' at the Arsenal. 
The Arsenal ! The Arsenal ! " 

MONTE 

Are yer finished? 

LIZZIE 

O', you! 

MONTE 

An' I want t' know if y'r ma 'ould let y' come along 
too. 

LIZZIE 

Ma let me? Let me! W'at's ma got t' do with w'ere 
I go? 

-C 10 > 



INSPIRATION 

MONTE 

Wellj yer see, yer brother 'Erb spoke to me abaat you 
the other day, so I want t' be'ave like a gen'leman. 

LIZZIE 

That 'ould take a bit o' doin'. Wouldn't it? 

MONTE 

'Ow abaat it, Princess? Are you willin' if y'r ma is? 

LIZZIE 

T' go t' Woolwich? W'at d'y' take me for? 

MONTE 

I'll tike y' f'r anythin'. Princess. 

LIZZIE 

[Scornfully.'] Is that so? 

MONTE 

Yaas, Liz. 

LIZZIE 

'Ere ! Not s' much of the " Lis "! 

MONTE 

We bin walkin' aat ! 

LIZZIE 

W'at of it? 

MONTE 

Y' don't like no one better? 

-C 11 > 



OUT THERE 

LIZZIE 

'Oo sez I don't? 

MONTE 

Doy'? 

LIZZIE 

Wat if I do? 

MONTE 

Gaan! [Coaxingly.] No, y' don'! [Getting a lit- 
tle nearer.^ Y' got t' get tied up sometime. 

LIZZIE 

Oh, naow I ain't. I 'aven't 'ad my fling yet. 

MONTE 

Wat fling.? 

LIZZIE 

Oh, there's lots I want- t' do afore I chucks ineself 
awye. 

MONTE 

Chucks y'rself .'* Is that 'ow y' feel abaat it.'' 

LIZZIE 

Wi' you? Yaas. You're a gal's last 'ope. 

MONTE 

Oh, indeed? Is that 'ow y' feels abaat me? 

LIZZIE 

Yaas. It is. 

-C 12 > 



INSPIRATION 

MONTE 

[Bitterly.] Y' maj' be sorrj^ f'r them words if I 
tikes y' up on 'em. 

LIZZIE 

Well, 'tike me up on 'em ! I ain't seen 'alf nor done 
'alf I wants t'. No dish-washin' an' babies an' gin 
f'r me — yet! I my come to it. Y' never know y'r 
luck! Then I'll drop y' a postcard. 

MONTE 

That's a nice w'y t' talk o' marriage ! Wonder y' ain't 
ashamed ! Dish-washin', babies, an' gin ! My word ! 

LIZZIE 

That's w'at it's bin f'r ma. She washes the dishes — 
w'at's left of 'em. She 'ad three of us, an' she's aout 
on a gin-crawl naow. Not f'r me. Tike a walk, young 
man, tike a walk. 

MONTE 

This m'y be the last time I'll arst y'. 

LIZZIE 

I 'ope it is. 

MONTE 

There's lots o' gals in Woolwich. 

LIZZIE 

[Indifferently.'} I dess'y. 

< 13 > 



OUT THERE 

MONTE 

[Changing his tone; goes over to her coaxingly again.'\ 
We've had some nice times. 

LIZZIE 

'Ave we? 

MONTE 

Ain't we? 

LIZZIE 

Some might call 'em sich. 

MONTE 

[Touches her.'] Wat's the matter, Liz? 

LIZZIE 

[Shaking herself free.] Aow, let me alone, cawn t 

MONTE 

They'll p'y me good money in Woolwich. 

LIZZIE 

Treat the Woolwich gals with it, then. 

MONTE 

[Despondently.] Then it's no use waitin' t' see y'r 
ma? 

LIZZIE 

Naow, it ain't. Don't suppose she'll be able t' talk t* 
y' w'en she comes — poor ol' " Gin-an'-water " ! So 'op 
it. 

-C 14 > 



INSPIRATION 

MONTE 

Ain't we goin' t' walk out no more ? 

LIZZIE 

Not knowin', cawn't s'y — not hinterested, don't care ! 
[Monte stands disconsolately and gives a deep sigh.] 
[Lizzie laughing.] You're a rum little blighter. 

MONTE 

[Bitterly.^ Rum, am I? 

LIZZIE 

[With a sudden burst.] Look 'ere, it's no use talkin' 
t' me abaat marriage. I ain't that sort. I don't want 
t' be tied up to a couple o' rooms an' a biby every year. 
I seen too much of it. I got 'igher ideas n'r that. 

MONTE 

Oh, Liz — 

LIZZIE 

I earns me w'y, an' I does as I likes. They don't call 
me " Princess " at the factory f'r nothin'. [Wets her 
finger and sticks the curl dozen on her forehead.] I'm 
goin' t' do as I likes as long as I likes. Wen I'm sick 
of it come raan again if y' don* find a gal in Woolwich. 

MONTE 

All right. Princess. An' y're well nimed. Y're 
waitin' for a bloomin' dook, ain't y'? 

LIZZIE 

Wat if I am? [Sings.] 

-C 15 > 



OUT THERE 

" Oh, 'e'll tike me t' ride in. 'is brufFam, 'is brufFam, 
A swell I'll be of the d'y." 
Good-bye, Monte ! 

MONTE 

An' t' think I loved y' once ! 

LIZZIE 

Don' let it keep y' awike. There's others. Wat 
abaat me sister, Annie? 

MONTE 

Annie! [Opens door, quickly goes out, then puts his 
head round door.] Goo'-bye, Elizabeth! [Closes door.] 

LIZZIE 

Tata ! Ferdinand ! 

[Monte goes out through front door.] 

LIZZIE 

[Goes to windoiv and calls to him.'] Monte, bring us 
a cannon from Woolwich, t' wear nex' me 'eart. 
[Laughs and sings.] 

" I'm goin' t' work in the Arsenal! 
The Arsenal ! The Arsenal ! " 
[Moves away from the window, thinks frowningly for 

a minute, gives a toss of the head. Picks up hand 

mirror, looks at herself for a moment, and goes back 

to the inner room.] 
[In the far distance the criers call their wares. A shrill, 

< 16 > 



INSPIRATION 

cheery vendor chirps, " Fine kipper! Nice kipper! 
Sweet kipper! Pick 'em out where ye like! Smell 
'em, lidy! Sweet-scented, lovely kipper! Fresh 
from the water! Fine kipper! Sweet kipper! 
Lovely kipper! Where ye like! Pick 'em out! " 
Very faintly can he heard the barrel-organ. The 
outer door is opened by a latch-key, and then the 
inner door opens, and a young, thin, pale, wide-eyed 
girl, very quietly dressed, comes in wearily. She goes 
to dresser and gets hammer and some tacks, and tacks 
on the door a recruiting poster she has brought in with 
her. It is one of the famous recruiting posters used 
in England during 1915. It represents the head of a 
smiling English soldier. Above him the words, "En- 
list to-day." Beneath him, " He's Happy and Satis- 
fied. Are You? " She looks around the room, takes 
off her hat and coat, puts them down on the chest of 
drawers, takes out a key, opens a drawer with it, 
takes out of the drawer some needlework, sits beside 
the window so as to get the light, and begins to sew 
feverishly. After a few moments Lizzie looks in.] 

LIZZIE 

I thought I 'card the door go. 

ANNIE 

Y're 'ome early? 

LIZZIE 

Wat of it? 

-C 17 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

Nothin'. 

LIZZIE 

Goin' t' the theaytre. 

ANNIE 

Are ye? 

LIZZIE 

Yaas. 

ANNIE 

With Monte? 

LIZZIE 

[Disdainfully.'} Monte! Naow! Little shrimp! 

ANNIE 

Oh, Liz. 

LIZZIE 

'E was all right w'ile it lasted. Got a noo feller now. 

ANNIE 

Oh? 

LIZZIE 

Yaas. He travels for a doll factory. 

ANNIE 

Were did y' meet 'im? 

LIZZIE 

One o' the gals. 

ANNIE 

I liked Monte. 

-C 18 > 



INSPIRATION 

LIZZIE 

You would. Well, y' can 'ave 'im. 

ANNIE 

[Just looks at her. Goes on sewing. 1 Mother in? 

LIZZIE 

Naow. Aat doin' the rounds. 

ANNIE 

She oughtn't t' be out so much^ an' she like she is. 

LIZZIE 

[Taking a bottle off the dresser, shaking it and hold- 
ing it up.] That's w'y ! All 'er "velvet's" gone. 
Makes me sick ! I want t' git aat o' this — travel abaat. 
My feller does, all the time. Up an' daan the country. 
That's livin', that is. 'Stead o' stickin abaat. Ma 
makes me sick. 01' soak ! 

ANNIE 

It's all the comfort she's got. Don' grudge it. 

LIZZIE 

[Looking at Annie, disgustedly.] I do grudge it. 
Nice plice t' come 'ome to ! You an' mother! One al- 
wa's sewin', an' the other alwa's swillin'. [Sings as she 
sits on the table dangling her feet.] 

" I wants a tiddley, a tiddley-iddley-iddley. 
I wants a tiddley naow an' then." 
Wat are y' sewin'? 

-C 19 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

RagSi 

[Laughs contemptuously.]. Yaasl All you^ll eve? 
'ave ! Sittin' around doin' nothin' — sewin' ! W'y don't, 
y' go aat an' git work? 

Annie 
I've bin 'most every d'y^ Cawn't git nothin* just 
naow. 

LIZZIE 

No wonder ! With a iice like that ! Gives me the 
fair 'ump t' look at 'y. Y're " 'Aunted Annie," an' no 
mistake, Wat's come over y'? Y' used t' laugh once. 

ANNIE 

I don' feel like laughin' jus' naow. 

LIZZIE 

W'y? 'Cos y'r feller's gone? 

ANNIE 

No. I'm glad o' that. 

LIZZIE, 

Oh, are yer? You an' Ma/ Gi*^ me the pip! 
[Goes over and stands looking down at Annie.] 
F'r Gawd's sake w'at is that there ye're workin' at? 
[Tries to snatch it.] 

•C 20 > 



IJ^SPIRATION 

ANNIE 

iRotls iJt up, stands up, and faces her.'] Never you 
mind;' 

LIZZIE 

Wy won't y' show it ? 

ANNIE 

'Cos I won't 'ave y' laughin' at me. That's w'y ! Y' 
alwa's laugh at everything I do. 

LIZZIE 

W'y shouldn't I ? Ain't ye my sister ? 'Oo are yoa 
— not t' be laughed at ? 

ANNIE 

Y're not goin' t' laugh at this. 

LIZZIE 

Oh, ain't I? 

ANNIE 

No. You ain't. 

LIZZIE 

Le' me see. \^She tries to snatch it.] 

ANNIE 

[Warningly.] You keep y'r 'ands off. 

LIZZIE 

Is it y'r bloomin' trousseau, eh ? Give it me ! [She 
seizes it. They struggle for it.] 
-C 21 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

[Frantically.] Le' go! Le' go! 

[Lizzie gives it a txcist.] 

Don't y' tear it ! 

[Lizzie gives it another twist."] 

[Begins to cry.] 

Please don't tear it! 

[Lizzie nearly pulls it from her.] 

[Fiercely.] If y' tear it I'll kill y', so I will, [Beats 
at her furiously until she completely cows her. Then 
pushes her away, glaring ferociously at her.] I'm sorry 
if I 'urt yer. You keep away from this — and from we 
— or you'll be sorry. 

lizzie 
[Snivelling. Thoroughly frightened.] I didn' mean 
nothin' ! [Backing away to a safe distance.] 



I've 'ad enough of y'r gibes an' sneers. You let me 
alone ! 

lizzie 

[Reeovering herself a little.] I s'y ! Wat a temper ! 

[Rubbing her shoulder where Annie struck her.] 

An' ain't we strong? Y' ought t' be a bruiser like 
'Erb. That's w'at you ought t' be. A bloomin' fighter ! 

ANNIE 

[Smoothing out the work they had just fought over.] 
I'd like t' be a fighter. If I was 'Erb I would be. 
-C 22 > 



INSPIRATION 

LIZZIE 

Oh! Is that 50? 

ANNIE 

Yaas. Thats' so ! If I was 'Erb I wouldn' be loafin' 
round 'ere. I'd go out and fight proper. [Goes to 
drawer, puts the work in, locks the drawer and puts the 
key in her pocket. "j 

[The door swings open, and a young, active man, about 
twenty-four, strongly built, wearing a light tweed suit 
a good deal the worse for wear, a woollen muffler, and 
a cricket cap on the back of his head, stands in the 
doorway. His right eye is slightly discoloured.l 

LIZZIE 

'Ere 'e is. Nah tell 'im w'at y' said. 

'erb 
Tell me w'at.? 

LIZZIE 

She says you ought t' be fightin'. Didn't y' now.'' 

ANNIE 

Yes, I did. An' 'e knows 'e ought t' be. 

'erb 
I 'ave bin. Pipe the lamp? \Touches his eye.} 

LIZZIE 

Oh, I s'y ! Oh ! Look at 'is eye ! 
-C 23 > 



OUT THERE 

'erb 
Never mind about my eye. Y' should 'a' seen 'is. 
Both on 'em ! 

LIZZIE 

Did y' win? 

'erb 
Yaas. Knocked 'im stone cold in the fi'th raound. 
[^Tahes out some coins.'] See? Money t' spend! 

LIZZIE 

[Tries to snatch it. Admiringly.] My! You ain't 
'alf all right ! 

'erb 
[Takes out a small flash. ] For ma ! 

LIZZIE 

Oh, "Velvet"? [Takes flash from him.'] 

'erb 
Yaas. Keep 'er goin' f'r a bit! 
[Lizzie 'places flash in dresser.] 

An' s'y! [Pulls out a paper package.] Chuck that 
under y'r chin. [Th7-ows it at her.] 

lizzie 
[Catches it, unwraps it, and produces a bright red 
ribbon.] Much obliged, I'm sure, 'Erb. I'll wear it at 
the theaytre tonight. [Ties it, and looks at herself in 
the crached hand-mirror.] 

-C 24 > 



INSPIRATION 

'erb 
Saw it in a winder. Thought it 'ould be y'r fancy. 
[Looks at Annie.] 
I ain't brought you nothin'. 

ANNIE 

All right, 'Erb. 

'erb 
Wat was y' s'ying abaat me? 

LIZZIE 

She was s'ying if she was you she'd be fightin'. 

'erb 
Oh, did je? 

ANNIE 

Yaas. I did. An' I would be, too. 

'erb 
You shut yer trap abaat me. 

ANNIE 

Wouldn't it be better t' be fightin' a lot o' brutes f'r 
y'r country than 'ittin' one o' y'r own kind f'r a few 
shillin's .'' 

'erb 

That's my business. See? An' y' can take it from 
me now, I'm not goin'. See? 

ANNIE 

Yes, y' will. You'll go. By-and-bye. 
< 25 > 



OUT THERE 

'erb 
If they want me let 'em come an' fetch me. 

ANNIE 

They want j all right. And lots more, too. An' 
they'll fetch y' w'en the time comes. But I don' want y' 
t' go becos y've bin fetched. I want y' t' go becos y've 
got the call in y'r mind. Becos, 'Erb, y' are needed. Y' 
know they need y'. [She looks straight at him.] 

'erb 
[Shrugs his shoulders and turns away from her. 
Points to the picture of the soldier on the wall.'j Father 
was needed, wasn't he.'' 

ANNIE 

An' 'e went. 

'erb 
Yaas, an' got killed. An' w'at did a griteful country 
do f'r 'is wife an' kids."* Eh.^ Answer me that! 

ANNIE 

We've got along, 'Erb. 

'erb 
Yaas, an' they can git along without me, same as we 
'ave without them. 'Ow old was 'e w'en 'e went? 
Thirty-five! That's w'at 'e was. Prime o' life! Cut 
orf by a Boer bullit, an' buried Gawd knows w'ere. 
None o' that f'r me! Me life's me own. See? I want 
it. Let them as likes go. Not me ! 
-C 26 > 



INSPIRATION 

ANNIE 

I don' like t' 'ear y' talk like that. Y'r life belongs t' 
the country y' was born in, 'Erb. 

'erb 
Naow, you leave off naggin' ! See? 'Cos I ain't goin'. 
It's all very fine for a parcel o' women t' be shaatin', 
"Go! Go! Go!" Wat are you doin, eh? 

ANNIE 

I'd do my bit if they'd let me. 

'erb 
[Turns his head and looks at her for a second.^ A 
fat lot you'd do ! 

ANNIE 

I would. [With a sudden thought.] If I did go, 
would y' go? 

'erb 

You! [Laughs.] Ho! Bli' me! She'd run away 
from a pop-gun. 

ANNIE 

No, I wouldn't. If I did go would y' go? 

'erb 
Naow, look 'ere, y' nagged the feller y' was walkin' 
aat with inta goin', but y' ain't goin' to me. 

ANNIE 

I didn' nag Dick. 

-C 27 > 



OUTTHERE 

'erb 
Yaas, y' did. Y' was alwa's at 'im. 

ANNIE 

I'm sorry y' think that. 'E didn' need any naggin'. 
We jus' talked it over, quiet-like, an' nex' day 'e 'listed. 
[Pause.'l If I did go, would you go? If I could git 
aat there, somehow, [Leaning over him] would y' go? 
[She touches his shoulder. '\ 

'erb 

Oh, shut up ! 

LIZZIE 

'Oo's goin' t' tike care o' ma an' me if 'Erb went, I'd 
like t' know? 

ANNIE 

You're in a good job. Mother's got 'er bit o' pension. 

LIZZIE 

Pension ! My word ! 'Ardly keeps 'er in gin ! You 
let 'Erb alone! There's plenty of others. 

ANNIE 

[Earnestly to 'Erb, her eyes distended. She kneels 
•with one knee on couch.] If I did go, would y' go? 

'erb 
[Uneasily, draws back, looking at Annie.] 'Ark a^ 
'er! 

[Turns to Lizzie.] 

-c 28 :}- 



INSPIRATION 

She do look 'aunted, don' she? 
[Turns again to Annie.] 

LIZZIE 

Daft, I calls 'er. 

[They are both looking at Annie.] 

ANNIE 

I am 'aunted, 'Erb. I think it must be becos father 
went that w'y. 'E 'ad the call an' 'e answered it, an* 
I'm sure 'e's 'appier becos 'e did. It don' seem fair to 
them aat there t' be 'elding back. If I did go, 'Erb — 
would you go? 

'erb 

You go aat there, an I'll — 

ANNIE 

Y'll go? 

'erb 

I'll see abaat it. 
[He rises without taking his eyes off Annie, and backs 

away to Lizzie for protection. Takes her hand.'] 
[There is a knock at the outer door. There is a pause; 

no one moves. The silence is broken by a second 

knock. Annie goes over to chest of drawers, and 

arranges sewing. 'Erb is just about to answer knock 

zvhen he sees poster.] 

'erb 
'Ere, 'oo put that there? 

-C 29 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

I did. [Sits and starts to sew.^ 

'erb 
Oh! 

[The house bell rings-. 'Erb slouches over and throws 
the door open. Dr. Hanwell, a tall, genial, polished, 
distinguished man of fifty-five, is standing outside.^ 

DR. HANWELL 

May I come in.^ 

*ERB 

Yaas, y' m'y. 

DR. HANWELL 

Thank ye ! 
[Comes in through the inner door, takes off his hat, bows 

to the two girls, turns around to 'Erb just as that 

young gentleman sla77is the door and slouches back, and 

smiles at him.] 

You did very well in putting that boy out last night, 
my lad. 

'erb 

An' w'y shouldn't I, young feller-me-lad y'rself? 

DR. HANWELL 

Why shouldn't you? You're a born fighter. 
[There is an awkward pause. 'Erb says " " and goes 
over to Lizzie.] 
[Dr. Hanwell to Annie.] 
How is your mother? 

-C 30 > 



INSPIRATION 

ANNIE 

Better, thank ye, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

Is she in? 

ANNIE 

No, sir. She just stepped out a little while ago. She 
won' be long. 

LIZZIE 

[Holding up the empty bottle.l Doctor, the bottle 
was empty, so she went out to get some gin. [Goes into 
inner room.^ 

'erb 
W'y didn' she wait for me.'' [Holds up the flask he 
brought.] I got 'er one — and full o' " Velvet." 
[He follows Lizzie out, slamming the door.] 

DR. HANWELL 

It's a pity your mother is not in. I should have liked 
to see her. This is my last visit. 

ANNIE 

[Wide-eyed and disappointed.] Is it? 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. I'm ofF tomorrow. 

ANNIE 

[Rises.] OfF? [With a gasp.] Not to—? Not 
-C 31 > 



OUT THERE 

to — IBreaks off, makes a gesture indicating a long xvay 
of-] 

DR. HANWELL 

l^Smiling-l "Somewhere in France." 

ANNIE 

[Enthusiastically], Oh! Are ye.'' 'Orspital work? 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

[Yea7'ningly.] Lots o' nurses goin', I expect.'' 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. 

[Annie sighs and sits again."] 

I thought I'd run in and see your mother while I was 
down here, though she was going on very well last week. 



She's pretty well now, sir. All the cuts are 'ealcd up. 
'Er 'ead troubles 'er, though. I didn' want 'er t' go aat 
t'd'y. 

DR. HANWELL 

Oh, fresh air is good for her. 

ANNIE 

It ain't very fresh w'ere she goes, sir. 
-C 32 > 



INSPIRATION 

DR. HANWELL 

Where's that? 

ANNIE 

[Wistfully.] The " Mother Red Cap." That's 'er 
favourite Public-House. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Smiles, shakes his head.] What a pity! 

ANNIE 

She meets 'er friends, y' know. Pretty lonely f'r 'er 
'ere w'en we're all aw'y. 

DR. HANWELL 

Was she coming from the " Mother Red Cap " when 
she was run over? 

ANNIE 

Yaas, sir. [Hurriedly.] Oh, but she was all right. 
She alwa's is. It was tlie chauffeur's fault. An' the 
street's that dark since the war's on. 'E miglit 'a' got 
any one, the rate 'e was goin'. 

DR. HANWELL 

There was no trace of liquor on her when she was 
brought into the hospital. 

ANNIE 

Oh, there never is. She carries her gin verj* well. 
Done it all 'er life. Says it kind o' preserves 'er. 
IC 33 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

^Smiling.] Alcohol can preserve. It can also de- 
stroy, my girl. 

ANNIE 

[JSmiling sadly.] Mother's one o' the preserved. 
Wen I was workin', gettin' good money, too, I 'ad all 
this fitted up like a private bar, so as t' keep 'er in. Got 
in everythin' she wanted, an' some extry glarses f'r 'er 
friends. Didn't last. [Sadly.] D'y' know w'at I 
think it was.-* 

[Dr. Hanwell shakes his head.] 

She missed the bright lights an' the noise, and the 
sawdust on the floor. No 'ome is in it with a public- 
'ouse once y' git the 'abit. 

DR. HANWELL 

I suppose not. I'm glad to hear she's going on so well. 

ANNIE 

[Rises.] Won't we see yer after termorrow.'' 

DR. HANWELL 

No. 

ANNIE 

It's bin very kind of y' t' come round after 'er, sir. 
W'y 'ave 'y done it? 

DR. HANWELL 

I happened to be in charge at the hospital when she 
-C 34 > 



INSPIRATION 

was brought in. I like to see a case right through if I 
can. 

ANNIE 

Don't y' charge anythin' f'r it.^ 

DR. HANWELL 

No, not this end of the town. I get all I want out of 
the other end. [Smiling.] The West End. 

ANNIE 

You'll be missed round 'ere, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Laughs.] I'm wanted out there. Besides, some one 
will take my place. You'll not be neglected. [His 
hand on door knob.] 

ANNIE 

[Suddenly and vehemently.] Oh, doctor, doctor, I 
cawn't bear t' be lef be'ind. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Astonished.] Left.-* 

ANNIE 

You're goin' t' do somethin' f'r your country. I'm 
'ere doin' nothin' — nothin' ! 

DR. HANWELL 

There will be plenty for every one to do presently. 
Every class will have to do its share. 
-C 35 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

But I don' want t' wait. [Earnestly.'^ I want t' 
begin naow. Take me with ye. Will ye.'' 

DR. HANWELL 

Take you.'' 

ANNIE 

[Nods.] Aat there. Will ye.'' I want t' 'elp. 

DR. HANWELL 

How.? 

ANNIE 

I want t' be a nurse. 

DR. HANWELL 

That's impossible. 

ANNIE 

W'y is it? 

DR. HANWELL 

You have had no training. 

ANNIE 

I'll learn. Learn fast, too. I'm very quick. Please 
take me. I'll begin at the bottom. I'll scrub floors — 
wash their clo'es — tear up bandages — anything jus' t' 
be near 'em. I want t' be close t' the fellers who're 
gettin' wounded f'r us. 

DR. HANWELL 

My good girl — 

-C 36 > 



IxNSPIRATION 

ANNIE 

I've done a bit o' nursin' here, right in this room. 
Wen mother was all cut abaat I 'elped ter bind 'er up, 
didn't I? Y' said once I 'ad the right 'ands for a nurse: 
an' the kind o' voice: that me place was at a bedside. 
Was y' kiddin' me? 

DR. HANWELL 

No. But it's very different nursing your mother — 

ANNIE 

If I could do it f'r 'er, w'y couldn't I do it f'r them? 
Do let me go. I want to be among 'em. It's 'orrible t' 
sit 'ere 'elpless. D' y' know w'at 'appened t' my father 
in Africa.'' 

DR. HANWELL 

Killed.? 

ANNIE 

Yaas. But 'e needn't 'a' bin. 'E laid all d'y with a 
bullit in 'im. No one t' give 'im a drop o' water or any- 
thin'. Wen they found 'im it was too late. I might 
find some one like that an' save 'em. Let me go just 
as a water-carrier. 

DR. HANWELL 

But you've had no experience. 

ANNIE 

Wat experience 'ave the fine lidies got 'oo are goin' 
aat all the time ? W'at d' they know that I cawn't learn ? 
•C 37 > 



OUT THERE 

They go f 'r the excitement — an' t' get their fices in the 
paper. Does any one arst them w'at experience they've 
'ad? 'Ow d' they git aat? Becos they're rich an' know 
people. I only knows you. Do somethin' f'r me. I 
don' want no pay — jus' me keep. I'll go on till I drop. 
W'at can them lidies do that I cawn't? If one of 'em 
gits a stitch in 'er side she goes back 'home, an' then 
she's an 'ero. 

DR. HANWELL 

You mustn't say that. Some of the finest people in 
the country are working nobly out there. No sacrifice 
is too great. 

ANNIE 

That's it. The rich can mike sacrifices. W'y cawn't 
the poor ? W'y cawn't I ? Oh, ever since it started the 
thought's bin beatin' in me, d'y an' night, " Git aat there. 
Y've got t' git aat there! " [Pleading.'] Y' might tike 
a chance with me. I'd be no trouble. Cheer 'em up, 
too ! I can sing a bit. Dance, too ! 

DR. HANWELL 

[Smiling.'] Oh? 

ANNIE 

Afore it all started I used t' be quite cheerful. It's 
only since it broke aat I'm like this. " 'Aunted Annie " 
they calls me naow. 'Cos I'm alwa's seein' things. Aat 
there I'd be as 'appy as anythin' — reely I would ! Make 
'em laugh, I would. See if I wouldn't! [With a little 
"hopeless effort to smile: but her anxiety is so great she 
-C 38 > 



INSPIRATION 

almost sobs.^ I'd keep their minds orf theirselves. I 
know two funny stories. D'yer ever 'ear that one abaat 
the feller as was standing up against a lamp-post and a 
hofficer comes along and says : " 'Ere, young feller — 
me — lad, w'y ain't yer at the front ? W'y ain't yer 
fighting for yer country? W'y don't yer enlist? " And 
the feller says to the hofficer, 'e says: "Wot? Bli' 
me! Me enlist? Wiv this bloomin' war goin' on? " 

DR. HANWELL 

[Laughs.'\ 

ANNIE 

And, d'yer 'ear the one abaat the soldier in the 'ors- 
pital? 'E says to the nurse: " Wot's this 'ere on my 
fore'ead? " An' the nurse says: "A vinegar band- 
age." An' 'e says: "Bli'me! Vinegar! Wot's this 
'ere on my chest?" An' the nurse says: "A mustard 
plarster," an' 'e says: "Bli'me! Mustard! Wot's 
this 'ere on my feet? " An' the nurse says: " 'Ot salt 
bag," an' 'e says : " Bli'me ! Vinegar ! Mustard ! 
Salt! W'y not pour some pepper in me 'ear-'ole and 
make me a bloomin' cruet? " 

[Dr. Hanwell laughs, and moves towards door.] 
Ain't they funny enough? [With a great crt/.] Oh, 
doctor, I want t' do somethin' — [Beating her hands 
helplessly. Her voice fails her. She sits on couch, 
covers her eyes.] If ye'd only tike me! If y'd only do 
it! 

-C 39 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWKLL 

[Puts his hand on her shoulder.] Why not get into 
one of the munition factories? You'd be helping there. 
I'm sure I could do something like that for you. 

ANNIE 

{^Blazing up fiercely. Forgetting her tears.'] Them 
as cawn't feel nothin' can do that. But I want t' be 
near the fellers who's fightin' f'r us. I'm not afraid o' 
blood. Y' know that. Mother bled. I didn' mind it. 
I bound 'er up. An' you standin' by. An' she used t' 
moan all night, an' I'd soothe 'er an' mike 'er sleep. 
That's w'at I want t' do aat there. [Passionately.] 
Oh, cawn't y' see? I want t' git at the real 'eart of it 
all. I'm alwa's thinkin of it — all d'y, an' 'alf the night. 
Wen I do sleep I dream of it. I'm a real nurse every 
night for a bit. An' then I wikes up t' this. [All the 
time searching her brain for fresh reasons why he should 
take her.] An' see! Wait a minit! I mus' show y' ! 
This is 'ow much I've bin thinkin' of it ! 
[As she speaks she hurriedly opens the drawer and takes 
out the work over which she fought with her sister. 
She takes it over to the Doctor, opens it out, and dis- 
closes a nurse's dress, made of cheap material, and a 
cap. She looks up expectantly at the Doctor, her 
eyes shining, her whole manner expectant, as though 
they were triumphant proof of her right to go " out 
there."] 
Made 'em meself, aat o' w'at I sived. Got a cap, too, 

-C 40 > 



INS PI RATION 

wiv a crorss on it ! [SJiows cap. Paused Are they — 
all right? [Pause.] Eh? 

DR. HANWELL 

[Very embarrassed.] They're very charming — 

ANNIE 

[Quickly.] Oh, no, they're not. Not 'alf good 
enough ! I know that. But they're the best I could 
manage. Tliey'd do at first — wouldn't they? [An,v- 
iously.] Till I could get real ones? 

DR. HANWELL 

You couldn't wear them until you'd passed the pro- 
bationary period. 

ANNIE 

[Hopelessly and dejectedly.] Couldn't I? 

DR. HANWELL 

No. It's a uniform, the same as a soldier's. And a 
very honourable one. 

ANNIE 

I'd do nothin' t' shime it. 

DR. HANWELL 

I'm sure of that. 

ANNIE 

Cawn't y' take me? [Almost in despair.] Or send 
me ? Or 'elp me t' go ? Some'ow ? 

-C -ii > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

I'll see what can be done. 

ANNIE 

[Jumping at the chance.] Oh, doctor — 

DR. HANWELL 

[Quickly. 1 I can't promise anything will come of it. 
You've got the right stuff, my girl. [Smiling.] The 
women behind us are going to win for us. 

ANNIE 

I'll win f'r y'. I mean as 'ow I'll 'elp ye ter win. 
Y' will try ? 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

Soon? 

DR. HANWELL 

It will have to be. 

ANNIE 

[Persevering.] D' y' think y' can manage it? 

DR. HANWELL 

[Smiling at her perseverance.] If it is possible. 

ANNIE 

[Just touching his arm.] Y' don't know w'at it'd 
mean t' me. 

-C 42 > 



INSPIRATION 

DR. HANWELL 

[Takes up the cap from the table, looks at it, then at 
Annie.] I think I do. [Moving to door, and catching 
sight of poster.'] Hello! 

ANNIE 

[Hurriedly.'] I put that there. Would y' mind 
speakin' t' my brother.^ 

DR. HANWELL 

What about? 

ANNIE 

Abaat that. 'E ought t' be aat there. 

DR. HANWELL 

He certainly ought to be. 

ANNIE 

'E wonit go. 

DR. HANWELL 

Why not? 

ANNIE 

I dunno. Oh, it ain't becos 'e's frightened. 'E ain't 
afraid of no one. I think it's becos o' father lyin' there 
till 'e died. 'E's kind o' bitter abaat that. 

DR. HANWELL 

The fortune of war. 

ANNIE 

Yaas. Would y' mind speakin' to him? My feller's 
-C 43 > 



OUT THERE 

gorn. Y' know — Dick. My sweet'eart. Y've seen 'im 
'ere. 

DR. HANWELL 

Oh, yes. Has he, indeed,'' 

ANNIE 

Yaas. 'E didn' want to very much, but I said I 

wouldn't speak to 'im agin if 'e didn't. So 'e went. 
Seemed quite 'appy, too, once 'e'd made up 'is mind. 

That's all it is — jus' makin' up y'r mind. Then 
nothin' seems 'ard. 

[Doctor laughs quietly.^ 

See 'ow 'appy you are t' be goin' aat! So w'd I be. 

It ain't enough makin' other people do things. The 
praad part is doin' 'em y'rself. 

DR. HANWELL 

Quite right. You ought to be a recruiting sergeant. 

ANNIE 

Oh, I'd 'ate meself all me life if any thin' 'appened t' 
the country an' I'd done nothin'. It'd seem as though 
it was my fault. 'Course I know nothin' will. We'll 
win. We got to win. Bli' me! An' w'en we do, 'ow 
rotten it'll be f'r 'Erb and the kind that go t' the street- 
corner w'en the fellers come back an' scream, " We 
won ! " w'en they've done nothin' f'r it. An' w'en 
they've done shoutin' they'll skulk back t' their little 
dark beds an' cry their eyes aat 'cos they shirked an' 
-C 44 > 



INSPIRATION 

never took the chance they 'ad t' mike theirselves great. 

Muck! That's w'at they'll feel. Just much! 
\_The street door slams.'] 

[The door opens, and Annie's mother enters, a little 
unsteadily. She is a dark, untidy, middle-aged 
woman, shabbily dressed, her bonnet somewhat askew, 
a large shawl wrapped around her, inside of which she 
is firmly holding something. She is familiarly known 
as " OV Velvet," because of her partiality to the bever- 
age known by that nickname — gin.] 

" VELVET " 

\To Annie.] There y' are, dearie. 

ANNIE 

\Goes to her and warns her that the Doctor is in the 
room.'] The doctor ! 

" VELVET " 

[When she sees the Doctor, she draws herself up in 
intoxicated dignity.] An' the doctor. 'Onoured, I'm 
sure, sir. 

ANNIE 

Were 'ave y' bin, mother? 

" VELVET " 

Not afore the doctor, darlin'. 

ANNIE 

I told 'im, 

-C 45 > 



OUT THERE 

" VELVET " 

Did ye? Hindeed! Most himproper of ye, I'm sure. 

ANNIE 

Was it the " Mother Red Cap "? 

" VELVET " 

If y' must know, it was. An' w'at of it? 

ANNIE 

O', nothing! [Takes her and tries to help Aer.] 

" VELVET " 

[Very indignantly removes Annie's hand from her arm 
and walks very unsteadily to couch.'\ 

ANNIE 

[Seating her on couch.] Gi'e me y'r shawl. [Trying 
to take it.] 

" VELVET " 

No, thank ye. 

ANNIE 

W'y not? 

" VELVET " 

I'm chilly, dearie. 
[Beams at Doctor. Winks at Annie indicating the 
Doctor, and also the something hidden under the 
shawl.] 

ANNIE 

Tike orf y'r bonnit. 

-C 46 > 



INSPIRATION 

" VELVET " 

Not before the doctor. Ain't you ashamed? 

ANNIE 

Well, take orf yer gloves. 

" VELVET " 

Not before the doctor. 

ANNIE 

Just one. \_She pulls off the glove hy the fingers-l 
Naa, the other one. [She pulls it off.] Wat's this? 
[Touching the hidden something under the shazal.1 

" VELVET " 

Now, never you mind. [Whispers.] Wait till 'e's 
gorn. Wat's that y're 'oldin', dearie.'' 

ANNIE 

Oh, a few things. 

[To Dr. Hanwell.] 

Can y' wait a minnit more ? 

DR. HANWELL 

[Smiling.] Well, perhaps five. 

ANNIE 

Will y' speak to 'Erb? 

DR. HANWELL 

Very well. 

< 47 > 



OUT THERE 

" VELVET " 

Wat are y' w'isperin' abaat? 
[Annie goes to door of inner room.l^ 
Ah! 

[Shakes her finger at the Doctor.] 
Secrets^ eh ? You're the artful ones — you doctors ! 
[^Coughs genteelly behind her hand and winks at him.] 

ANNIE 

{^Speaking through the open door.] 'Erb! 

'erb 
[In inner room.] Wat? 

ANNIE 

Come in 'ere^ will ye? 

'erb 
Wat for? 

ANNIE 

Doctor wants t' talk t' y'. 

'erb 
Oh, all right! 

ANNIE 

[Turning away from door, looks at her mother. 
Crosses to the Doctor.] Make 'im go. [Passes into 
the other room.] 

" velvet " 

[Winks at the Doctor and indicates Annie.] Saucy 
— ain't she ? 

-C 48 > 



INSPIRATION 

DR. HANWELL 

And how are you feeling today ? 

" VELVET " 

I don' know^ doctor. Got a kind o' sinkin'. 

DR. HANWELL 

Where ? 

" VELVET " 

All-overish. 

DR. HANWELL 

Take a deep breath. [Bending down.] Now breathe 
heavily outwards. 

[She does. He sniffs.] 
Is it — gin? 

" VELVET " 

W'y, 'ow did y' guess? You know everythin', you 
doctors. It don't 'urt me. Does me 'eart good. 

DR. HANWELL 

Does it? 

" VELVET " 

Oh, a lot o' good. That's w'y they calls it " Velvet." 
So sorft an' nice. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Takes her wrist and looks at his watch. Velvet 
beams at Doctor as he touches her wrist.] Your head's 
all nicely healed up? 

-C 49 > 



OUT THERE 



Outside, sir, it's all right. But inside, sir! Oh, my 
word ! Seems to all wobble abaat. 

DR. HANWELL 

Does it, indeed? 

" VELVET " 

Yaas, sir. All jumpin'-like, down at the back. 

DR. HANWELL 

Ah! \^Closing the watch and releasing her wrist."] 

" VELVET " 

Is me pulse all right? 

DR. HANWELL 

Splendid ! This is the last time I shall see you. 

" VELVET " 

Oh, but I ain't well yet. Not really well. Besides, if 
I was, I likes y' comin' round. [Looking coyly at him.] 

DR. HANWELL 

You can drop in at the hospital and see Dr. Barnett. 
He takes my place. I'm going away. 

" VELVET " 

Are ye, dearie? — I mean, doctor? I beg y'r pardon, 
I'm sure. Careless of me. Goin' aw'y, eh? Got a bet- 
ter job? 

-C 50 > 



INSPIRATION 

DR. HANWELL 

Get all the air you can. And — not quite so much 
" velvet." 

" VELVET " 

Oh, a drop now and agen keeps the blues aw'y. An' 
the 'eartburn. I git that somethin' chronic. 

DR. HANWELL 

A glass of plain hot water would stop them both. 

" VELVET " 

Wat I tike wouldn't 'urt a fly — reely it wouldn't, 
dea — doctor. 

DR. HANWELL 

It's hurting you. 

" VELVET " 

Ah ! I see. / know. You ain' got no sympathy with 
the workin' clarses. Y're all alike. Want t' tike aw'y 
their little drop o' comfort. An' all the trouble I've 'ad! 
No one knows w'at we 'ave to put up with from our fami- 
lies. 

DR. HANWELL 

You haven't much to complain of. 

" VELVET " 

Oh! 'ark at 'im! W'at oh! I've slaved all me life 
since me pore 'usband got took orf a-bringin' of 'em up — 
an' w'at 'ave I got? This 'ole t' live in. Look at it! 
Gives me the pip t' come into it. [With great dignity.'] 
I come of carriage-folk in me own right, I do. 
-C 51 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

Oh! 

" VELVET " 

" An' me 'usband 'ad estates, if they 'adn't took 'em 
from 'im, You know, under-'and-like. Ever 'ear o' the 
'Udds of 'Uddersfield? 

DR. HANWELL 

No. 

" VELVET " 

Well, that's 'im. [Bitterly.'] My fem'ly! It's like 
pullin' teeth gettin' a shillin' aat o' them. That's w'at 
children are tod'y. 'Erb picks up a bit fightin' an' 
comes home with a fice like a bit o' beef. 'E ought t' 
be in a steady job, an' lookin' after me proper. 

DR. HANWELL 

He ought to be in the army. 

" VELVET " 

Oh, no, 'e oughtn't. Oh, indeed no ! 'E 'ates walkin, 
an' the food wouldn't suit 'im. 'E's got t' be very p'r- 
tic'l'r w'at 'e eats on account of 'is wind. [Hiccoughs.] 
'E don't tike after 'is pa no 'ow. More like me. [Hic- 
coughs.] Begging yer pardon, I'm sure. One soldier's 
enough in the fem'ly, an' 'im took orf in 'is prime. 'Erb 
couldn't Stan' bein' ordered abaat. Oh, no! Don* git 
that idea in y'r 'ead. 'E's small use t' me, but w'at 'e is 
I wants. I'd git nothin' if 'e went aw'y enjoyin' 'isself 
aat there. 

-C 52 > 



INSPIRATION 

DR. HANWELL 

You ought to send him away. 

" VELVET " 

Oh! Oh! There goes me 'eart! [Moistens her 
] Would y' miaid if I took a little? 

DR. HANWELL 

A little what? 

" VELVET " 

" Velvet/' dear — doctor. " Mother's ruin/' they 
calls it. May I? 

DR. HANWELL, 

Try some hot water. 

" VELVET " 

'Ot water ? Bli' me ! Ain't I got trouble enough ? 
You are cruel, ain't ye? Just a spoonful, eh? 

DR. HANWELL 

I don't prescribe it. 

" VELVET " 

I knew y' wouldn't tike aw'y a pore woman's stand-by. 
[Taking out a flat gin bottle from under her shawl, ex- 
tracting the cork, wiping her lips, and holding up the 
bottle to the Doctor.] 
Wat oh ! [Drinks it long and steadily. "] 
-C 53 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

Steady ! 

[Touches her arm.l 

" VELVET " 

[Gasping and choking.'] Very weak! 'Ardly tiste it ! 
[Starts to drink again.] 

DR. HANWELL 

[Takes the bottle from her and puts it on the dresser.] 
That will do for the present. 

" VELVET " 

'Ave it y'r own w'y- Me 'eart's better awready. 
['Erb comes in, his face shining from recent washing, 
followed by 'Lizzie, who has her hat on, and wears the 
new ribbon round her neck.] 

'erb 
'Ello, ma! Guess w'at I've brought ye. [Picks the 
flask off the dresser and holds it out to her.] 

" VELVET " 

W'at is it, 'Erb ? 

'erb 
" W'ite Sat'n," ol' dear! 

" VELVET " 

Naow ain't that nice of ye ? 



INSPIRATION 

'erb 
Strongest they've got. It'll tickle ye up. 
[He digs her in the ribs. She chokes and laughs.] 
[Is about to take bottle from 'Erb when Lizzie snatches 
it out of his hand and places it on dresser. '\ 

" VELVET " 

[Laughing stupidly and coughing.'\ My word! Y're 
pl'yful. 
[She slaps his face with some white feathers she has been 

holding.] 

'erb 

'Ere! Wat's this? 

" VELVET " 

W'ite fewers, dearie ! 

'erb 
For me.'' 

" VELVET " 

Naow. Bought 'em at a sale. 

'erb 
[Relieved.] That's all right. None o' thet " 'Aunted 
Annie " stuff ! 

[He goes to Doctor.] 
Want to see me ? 

dr. hanwell 
Yes, I do. 

'erb 
Wat abaat? 

-C 55 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

Why don't you enlist? 

'erb 
'Cos I don' want to. 

DR. HANWELL 

You know what they'll call you if you don't? 

'erb 
Not to my fie, they won't. If they do I'll know what 
for, now then! Be'ind me back they can s'y w'at they 
like. 

DR. HANWELL 

Why give them the chance to say it anywhere? 

'erb 
W'at business it is of yours, I like t' know? 

DR. HANWELL 

It isn't only my business. It's everybody's. 

'erb 
Well, I'm not goin'. See? 

DR. HANWELL 

It's young men like you will force a condition that has 
never existed in the country before — conscription. 

'erb 

All right. Let it. Then I'll know the other feller's 
-C 56 > 



INSPIRATION 

goin'. W'y should I put meself abaat w'en the next 
street's full o* fellers same as me? 

LIZZIE 

'Course it is. Bigger 'n 'Erb, too. They ought t' be 
ashimed o' theirselves. 

DR. HANWELL 

Show them the example. 

'erb 

Not me ! 

LIZZIE 

I should s'y not ! The idea ! 

" VELVET " 

Wjj doctor, w'atever are y' askin' of 'im? 

*ERB 

Wat abaat y'rself.'' Jus' recruitin', eh? 

DR. HANWELL 

No, I'm going out. 

['Erb and Lizzie exchange glances.^ 
We're all in this job^ old and young, rich and poor. 
They'll need you. 
{To 'Erb.] 
And you — 
[To Lizzie.] 
And you. 
\To " Velvet."] 

-c 57 :> 



OUT THERE 

LIZZIE 

[Rather afraid.] Wat? Me? An' ma? Fat lot o' 



good we'd be ! 
I should s'y so ! 



VELVET 



DR. HANWELL 

More good than you think. We'll need every woman 
before we're finished. But for a strong, healthy, young 
fellow like you to be holding back — 

'erb 
[Angrily.'] Look 'ere! I've 'ad abaat enough o' this. 

" VELVET " 

Don' be 'arsh with the doctor, dearie. 'E's a nice 
gen'leman. But 'e don't understand y' not likin' 
marchin' any more 'n 'e can understand me wantin' a 
little somethin' t' tike aw'y the shivers. 

LIZZIE 

Wat's 'e got t' do with us, anyw'y.'' Jus' becos 'e 
patched ma up with plaster w'en she got 'erself run over 
don' give 'im the right t' copae 'ere an' tell us " w'at for." 

DR. HANWELL 

It's a pity you're not more like your sister, young 
woman. 

-C 58 > 



INSPIRATION 

LIZZIE 

Like Annie? Gawd 'elp us! Wat's she doin', I'd 
like t' know? 

DR. HANWELL 

The wish is there. 

LIZZIE 

[Angrily.'] Oh, wish me foot! She's very ready with 
'er tongue, tellin' others w'at t' do. W'y don' she do 
somethin' 'erself? 

'erb 
Yaas. That's wot I say. She's sicked 'im on t' me. 

She's alwa's barkin' at me. " Will y' go aat if I go? " 

says she. Knows bloomin' well they wouldn't tike a 

thing like 'er. 

[To Dr. Hanwell suddenly.'] 

See 'ere. You git 'er t' go, an' bli' me, I'll 'list to- 

morrer. 

[The faint sound of a band and the tramping of feet is 
heard in the far distance. Drums and fifes play " The 
Girl I Left Behind Me." Dr. Hanwell quietly picfcs 
up his hat and gloves. Annie comes in dressed in her 
cheap nurse's dress and cap. All look at her in amaze- 
ment. 'Lizzie and 'Erb burst out laughing. The 
mother begins to cry.] 
Oh, look at Nurse Nightingale ! 

lizzie 
" 'Aunted Annie " with her cross on crooked ! 

-c 59 :>. 



OUT THERE 

'erb 
Oh, strike me ! You're a winner, all right. 

LIZZIE 

[Sings.] 

" Tike 'em orf, young man; tike 'em orf. 
My, don't he look a guy! 
I'd tike 'em orf if I was you. 
Was everybody's cry." 
[Laughs uproariously. 1 
[The Doctor gives Lizzie a stern look -which stops her 

laughing.] 
[A full military band plays " Hold Your Hand Out, 

Naughty Boy."] 
[The sound of marching grows nearer and nearer. Dr. 
Hanwell takes out his card-case, extracts a card, 
writes on it, and goes to Annie.] 

DR. HANWELL 

[Handing the card to Annie.] Take this to the ad- 
dress I've written, and tell them what you told me. 

ANNIE 

[Joyfully.] Oh, will they tike me? 

DR. HANWELL 

I think they will. 

ANNIE 

An' will they send me aat there ? 
-C 60 > 



INSPIRATION 

DR. HANWELL 

Perhaps. If I can help to get you there, believe me, 
I will. 

ANNIE 

[Crosses to 'Erb.] If I do get aat there, will you go? 
\^The sounds are now quite near.'\ 

[Excitedly.] Don't that mike y'r blood run an' y'r 
brain dance? 

['Erb turns away sullenly.] 

So'diers ! 

[To Dr. Hanwell.] 

DR. HANWELL, 

They're going down to the train. 

ANNIE 

I want to see them. I'm goin' t' see them. 

DR. HANWELL 

Not like that. [Pointing to the nurse's dress.] 

ANNIE 

I'll cover it up. [Takes off her nurse's cap and puts 
it in her bosom, puts on hat, and covers her dress with a 
coat.] 

DR. HANWELL 

[To " Velvet. '] Good-bye. Whenever you don't 
feel quite up to the mark, look in at the hospital — Dr. 
Barnett. 

-C 61 > 



OUT THERE 

" VELVET " 

Much obliged, I'm sure, sir. 'Ave a drop of any thin' 
before y' go? 

DR. HANWELL 

No, thank you. 
[Nods to Lizzie.] 
Good-bye, 
[Is about to speak to 'Erb, who turns his back to him, 
thinks a moment, turns to Annie.] 

ANNIE 

Awright ^ 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. Come along. I'll drive you down. 
[Opens door, goes through passage, and opens door to 
the street, and waits for Annie.] 

ANNIE 

Good-bye, Liz ! 

LIZZIE 

Good riddance ! 

ANNIE 

Good-bye, ma! 

" VELVET " 

Were 're y' goin', dearie.^ 

-C 62 > 



INSPIRATION 

ANNIE 

I'm goin' aat t' 'elp. 

LIZZIE 

D' y' s'pose they'll let you be a nurse? You? 

ANNIE 

I'm goin' to try. 

" VELVET " 

[Beginning to cry.]. Y're goin' t' leave me? 

ANNIE 

Yaas, mother ! I ain't bin much use 'ere. I may be 
there. 'Erb, if I do go, will you go.'' 

'erb 
Wat if I don't? 

ANNIE 

Y'll 'urt me. 

'erb 
Well, be 'urt. 

ANNIE 

[Looks at him for a moment; then suddenly brightens 
up.] So long, ma! Take care o' yerself. 
[She marches out to the time of the music. Closes outer 

door and joins Doctor. They disappear together. 

Suddenly the hand breaks from marking time on the 

drums into " Tipperary."] 

-C 63 > 



OUT THERE 

LIZZIE 

[^Moves to the window and shouts after Annie.] 
Gawd 'elp them as you nurse! 

'erb 
[^Growls.] Let 'er alone^ cawn't ye? 

LIZZIE 

'Ark at you! 

'erb 

Shut up ! I tell ye. 

LIZZIE 

Oh, shut up y'rself. [Laughs.] Old " 'Aunted An- 
nie's fancyin' 'erself a nurse ! Make a cat laugh ! 

'erb 
[Threateningly. ] Stop that, will ye? She's worth a 
dozen o' you. 

LIZZIE 

Oh, is that so? 

'erb 
Yaas, it is. An' of me, too. So keep y'r trap shut. 
['Erb stands sullenly, his eyes fashing restlessly all 
through the opening movement of the march. Then 
the chorus is played as they march past quite near. 
When they start it for the second time he picks up his 
cap from the dresser and goes to his mother.] 
-C 64 > 



INSPIRATION 

'erb 
Gi'e us a kiss, ma. 

" VELVET " 

Wat for, 'Erb? 

'erb 
I'm orf. 

" VELVET " 

Orf, dearie? Were? 

'erb 

Aat there. 
[Pecks at her cheek, hurries to the door; as he opens it 

he calls over his shoulder to Lizzie.] 

So long, spiteful! [Bangs the door behind him, then 
bangs the outer door.'] 

[" Velet " cries and sways backward and forward.] 

" velvet " 
I knew as somethin' was goin' to 'appen. I bin that 
depressed all d'y. 

LIZZIE 

Never mind, ma, Y've still got me. 
[Takes up the flask 'Erb brought in.] 
An' this. [Pours out some into a glass.] 

" VELVET " 

[Weeping.] 'Erb give it to me with 'is last breath. 
I'll never see 'im no more. 

-C 65 > 



OUT THERE 



N'ot much lorse to any one. 'Ere y' go ! [Hands her 
the glass. Watches her drink. 1 



[Wiping her lips.'\ 

LIZZIE 

[Sings as she corks the bottle.li 

" I believe in 'avin' it if y' fancy it. 
'Cos a little of w'at y' fancy does y' good." 
[The marching of the men and the sound of the band 
begin to fade away.'\ 



Curtain 



[end of part i] 



-c 66 :}. 




2; 

< 



PART II 
DEVOTION 



" The range-Walk " 

The Surgeon 

The " Irishman " 

The Cockney 

The Canadian 

The Scotchman 

The New Zealander 

Griffin 

Terence 

A Newcomer 

Another Newcomer 

Gabrielle 

The Help 



DEVOTION 

The scene represents a portion of a ward in a hospital 
in France. There are seven cots. In a wheeling 
chair R., below cot 6, stretched full length, is a young 
hoy known as " Pat." He has been shot through the 
hips, and is paralysed. His eyes are closed. There 
is an orange lying on his newly-made bed. Next to 
him on cot 5 is a young Cockney, about five feet eight 
inches, very thin, his left hand bound up, his right 
leg almost disabled. He is sucking an orange. Next 
to him on cot If. is a big, six-foot Canadian, with his 
head bandaged. He has a deep voice, a gruff manner, 
and is lying on the outside of the bedcovers, methodi- 
cally peeling an orange. Next to him in cot 3 is a 
Scotchman, thirty-six years old, about five feet ten 
inches in height, slozvly and methodically gathering 
his few belongings together. He is sufficiently well 
to be sent farther on. He has an orange all opened 
out in flakes, the peel lying beside it, and is eating it, 
a flake at a time, as he dresses. Next to him No. 2 is 
an empty cot, and next to that in cot 1 a huge New 
Zealander about six feet two inches is also lying on 
the coverlet. He has a support running from his 
right foot up to his shoulder. He is throwing into the 
-C 71 > 



OUT THERE 

air and catching on its return, an orange. He ac- 
companies each journey and return of the fruit tvith 
an old circus tune. Each man is occupied with his 
own thoughts, and is not taking any notice of his 
companions. After some little time the Cockney be- 
gins to play a mouth-organ. The Scotchman hums 
an air out of tune. Voices are heard quite near. 

DOCTOR 

[/re the near distance.] We'll take this ward next. 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Look out! Here's the doctor! [He gets out of his 
cot.] 

[Enter Orderly.] 

ORDERLY 

Carry on! Ward! 'Shun! 
[New Zealander, Scotchman, Canadian, and Cock- 
ney all come to attention. " Pat " remains motion- 
less — his eyes closed. Dr. Han well, in khaki uni- 
form, enters with Nurse Gabrielle, a very serious- 
minded, aristocratic young nurse. The Doctor car- 
ries a small notebook and pencil. The Nurse has 
similar ones. Hanging on the foot of each bed is a 
day-chart showing the immediate condition of the 
man. The Nurse shows Dr. Hanwell the New Zea- 
lander's chart.] 

-C 72 > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

[Smiling cheerfully at the New Zealander.] How 
are you getting on? 

new zealander 
Very well, thank-ye. 

DR. HANWELL 

How is the shoulder? 

NEW ZEALANDER 

All right, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

Quite comfortable? 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Yes, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

Ache much? 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Now an' agen. Not much. 

DR. HANWELL 

We'll have another look at it this afternoon. 

NEW ZEALANDER 

[With a grimace to Nurse.] Won't like that much, 
Will I? 

-C 73 > 



OUT THERE 

NURSE 

It's the only time he ever complains. 

NEW ZEALANDER 

[Restlessly.] It's all right. I hate havin' it pulled 
about. 

DR. HANWELL 

You won't feel it. 

NEW ZEALANDER 

You always say that. I'd rather ye let it alone. It's 
goin' on all right. 

DR. HANWELL 

Don't think about it. 
[Looking at his notes. To Nurse.] 
At three. 
[The Nurse makes a note and goes to foot of cot ^, the 
Canadian's.] 
Orange day! [Sniffing and smiling.'] 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Yes, sir. Smells like a circus. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Gives the man a pleasant nod, and passes on to the 
Scotchman.] Moving you on, eh? 

SCOTCHMAN 

I'll be ready. 

-C 71' > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

Glad to get away? 

SCOTCHMAN 

So long as I'm gettin' reet agen. [Touches his shoul- 
der. 1 

DR. HANWELL 

You've done wonderfully. 

SCOTCHMAN 

[Looks at him a moment, beckons him, and bends 
down and says right into his ear.] Will they send me 
back, doctor.'' 

DR. HANWELL 

Why? Do you want to go? 

SCOTCHMAN 

Aye. I'd like anither crack at them. 

DR. HANWELL 

You'll get your wish. 

SCOTCHMAN 

[Grimly.'] That's a' reet. There's na hame any 
more. 

DR. HANWELL 

No? 

SCOTCHMAN 

Me twa lads are gone. I want to stay oot here to the 
finish. Ye ken? 

-C 75 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

[Nods understandingly, then shakes hands.^ Good 
luck! 

SCOTCHMAN 

[Gripping his hand.] Thank-ye, doctor! Guid luck 

ta ye! 

[The Nurse smiles at the Scotchman. He touches his 
forehead to her.] 

[The Doctor turns to Nurse. She shows him Cana- 
dian's chart and replaces it on foot of bed.] 

DR. HANWELL 

Well, my man? 

CANADIAN 

[Looking at the Doctor apprehensively, and speaking 
in a gruff, bass voice.] Mornin', doctor! 

DR. HANWELL 

And how are you? 

CANADIAN 

[Nodding towards the Scotchman.] Same as him. 

DR. HANWELL 

How's that? 

CANADIAN 

I'm sick of lying about here. 

-C 76 > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

It's all in the day. You did your share. 

CANADIAN 

Did? I'm not half through yet. Not half. 

DR. HANWELL 

That's the spirit. 

CANADIAN 

[With a grim smile.'] I want to get back to the 
Knickerbocker Club and the Times Square, and the 
" Jinks." 

DR. HANWELL 

Where? 

CANADIAN 

" Out there." 

DH. HANWELL 

You're thinking of New York surely? 

CANADIAN 

[Eagerly.] We've got 'em " Out there " too. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Smiling.] Have you? 

CANADIAN 

Sure! We get our mail at the Knickerbocker — ye 
get there by the Subway to Times Square — ye crawl 
-C 77 > 



OUT THERE 

underground. The Knickerbocker's a dug-out, and we 
have our sing-songs at the " Jinks." 

DR. HANWELL 

[^Laughing. "^ Do you, really? 

CANADIAN 

Sure! We have a juggler, used to play Hammer- 
stein's, can keep twelve plates goin' at the same time. 

DR. HANWELL 

l^Quite interested and amused.^ Fancy that! 

CANADIAN 

Sure ! An' a couple o' comic singers. Real class they 
are. 

[Nods towards the Scotchman.] 

He'd kind o' like one of 'em. Sings all Harry Lau- 
der's. 

DR. HANWELL 

Well, well! 

CANADIAN 

Sure ! An' we've a soprano from California. 

DR. HANWELL 

Soprano.? 

CANADIAN 

Fact! He could take a top "C" with Caruso. Ye 
should hear him in " My Little Wet Home in the 

-C 78 > 



DEVOTION 

Trench." 
lSings,'\ 

" In my little wet home in the trench. 
Where the rain drops continually drench." 

It's a little high for me, but he's real class! A pip- 
pin! 

DR. HANWELL 

You must have quite a good time. 

CANADIAN 

You bet yer life we do. [^Regretfully.'] I wish I was 
back. Got a glee-party too. I'm bass. [Sings.] 

" I care for nobody, no, not I, 
And nobody cares for me ! " 

We sang carols to the Boches last Christmas. 
[Sighs.] And here I am, out of it all because I've got a 
headache ! 

DR. HANWELL 

With the piece of shrapnel you got you're lucky to be 
able to talk about it at all. 

CANADIAN 

It was a piece, wasn't it? [Takes from under his pil- 
low a large, sinister-looking, jagged piece of shrapnel.] 
My helmet got most of it. [Looks up at helmet hanging 
above him with a large Jwle in it.] 
-C 79 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

Keep on as you've been going, and you'll soon be en- 
joying all the comforts of the Knickerbocker again. 

CANADIAN 

[Regretfully. '\ We get a cocktail every afternoon at 
five. I mix 'em — when I get the chance. Old-fash- 
ioned — Bushmills. I wish I could have one now. 
Can't I. ?• 

DR. HANWKLL 

Oh, no, no. 

CANADIAN 

Well, they'll have one today — if they're not busy. 
[Sighs. 1 And here I am, out of it all. 

DR. HANWELL 

[To the Nurse, who makes a note.'] We'll look at it 
again this afternoon. 

CANADIAN 

[Irritahly.l Oh, it'll be all right. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Humouring him.'] Of course it will. 

CANADIAN 

Take a lot more'n that to do me. I'll have another go 
at them yet. Mark me ! 

-C 80 > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

I'm sure you will. Good-bye. 

CANADIAN 

Good-bye, sir. I like talking to you. 

DR. HANWELL 

That's right! 
[The Nurse is waiting at foot of Cockney's cot No. 5. 
Shows chart to Doctor.] 
Well, ray lad.? 

COCKNEY 

Mornin', sir! 

DR. HANWELL 

Nice and comfortable? 

COCKNEY 

Cawn't complain! 

DR. HANWELL 

How's the leg? 

COCKNEY 

Don' min' thet so much. I can 'op abaout on thet. 
[Touches his left hand.] It's this 'ere wot gives me the 
pip. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Sympathetically.] Oh? Does it hurt? 
-C 81 > 



OUT THERE 

COCKNEY 

Don' min' thet so much. But, y' see, I'm left-'anded. 
You know ! I always cop 'em wit' the left. 

DR. HANWELL 

Cop whom? 

COCKNEY 

You know ! In a fight. 

DR. HANWELL 

I see. 

COCKNEY 

Shawn't be much good wi' the gloves no more, will I ? 
You know ! In the ring ? 

DR. HANWELL 

Oh, I wouldn't say that. 

COCKNEY 

I would. You know ! Cawn't close it. [Loohing at 
the bandaged hand.'] 'Tain't much use inside a glove if 
y' cawn't close it, is it."* You know! 

DR. HANWELL 

It's a clean wound. It may take time. But it will 
heal up. 

COCKNEY 

[Insisting.'] Yaas, but I cawn't close it! I'm done 
< 82 > 



DEVOTION 

as a fighter. Not 'alf ! Got t' handle wood the rest o' 
me life. You know ! 

DU. HANWELL 

What do you do ? 

COCKNEY 

Box-maiker. You know ! 

DR. HANWELL 

Where do you live.'' 

COCKNEY 

Poplar — born an' bred. 

DR. HANWELL 

How old are you.'' 

COCKNEY 

Twen'y-two. 

DR. HANWELL 

Been out here long? 

COCKNEY 

Ever since it started. You know ! Mons ! 

DR. HANWELL 

Really.? 

COCKNEY 

Yaas. Not many of us left w'at started. You know ! 
We got copped good an' plenty. Bad luck ! You know ! 

< S3 y 



OUT THERE 

Naa take me — it come my turn t' be a marker. You 
know ! Puts a light coat on an* yer points 'em aat. 'E 
alwa's gits 'it. I got 'it. You know ! Got 'it twice. 
'Ere, an' 'ere. [Touches his hand and his leg.] Never 
felt nothin'. You know! Jes' flopped daan. My kep- 
tin come a-running along. 'E sees me, an' 'e calls aat, 
" 'Ello ! " 'e says. " Y've got 'it," 'e says. " Yaas," 
says I. " Good job, too! " says 'e. " Ha! ha! " tryin' 
t' laugh. " Y' bin aat 'ere long enough/' 'e says. " Time 
y' went 'ome/' Nice feller! You know! 'E was only 
j okin'. 

DR. HANWELL 

Of course I 

COCKNEY 

Got 'is that d'y. [Reflectiveli/.l Nice feller! 



DR. HANWELL 



Was he killed.? 



COCKNEY 

Yaas. 'E needn't 'a' bin. You know ! Alwa's run- 
nin' abaat with 'is 'ead up. Nice feller! Oh, well! 
It's all in a life ! You know ! 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. 

[To Nurse.] 

At three ! Good-bye, my lad ! 
-C 84 > 



DEVOTION 

[The Nurse takes up Pat's chart and waits at foot of 
cot 6 for Doctor.] 

COCKNEY 

Good-bye, sir! Think I'll ever fight agin? You 
know ! 

DB. HANWELL 

I'll make a thorough examination this afternoon. 

COCKNEY 

'Fraid not ! Cawn't close it. You know ! 

DR. HANWELL 

There's always a chance. Good-bye. 
[Nods genially to him, goes to foot of Pat's cot, and 
reads the chart. Nurse replaces chart, goes to R. of 
Pat, and shakes him. Pat opens his eyes, and looks 
at the Doctor sullenly. 1 

DR. HANWELL 

And how are you? 

PAT 

I don't know how I am. 

DR. HANWELL 

Do you sleep well? 

PAT 

I do not. 

-C 85 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

Ah ! Does it bother you much ? 

PAT 

It does. 

DR. HANWELL 

Does it pain you? 

PAT 

I can't use it. 

DR. HANWELL 

That's not to be wondered at, is it? 

PAT 

It is not. 

DR. HANWELL 

[To Nurse who makes note.'] We'll look him over, 
too. 

[To Pat.] 

Is there anything you want? 

PAT 

Indeed there is. There's a lot o' things I want. 

DR. HANWELL 

For instance? 

PAT 

I want to get out o' here. I don't like the ward. 
-C 86 > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

Why not? Aren't you comfortable? 

PAT 

I am not. 

DR. HANWELL 

What do you need? 

PAT 

[Stirring uneasily. '\ Well, for one thing — I want 

more pillows. 

[T/ie Nurse arranges the pillow in his chair.l 
Listen, Miss ! Settle this so that I can stretch back ! 

And bring a whole lot of pillows. 

DR. HANWELL 

All right. You shall have them. 
[Nods to Nurse — she makes a note.'\ 
Anything else? 

PAT 

I want to be quiet. This place is too noisy. I hate it. 

DR. HANWELL 

When there is room, I'll have you transferred where 
it is quieter. Anything else ? 

PAT 

I want to ivalk. 

-C 87 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

You must have patience. 

PAT 

I haven't. [Sullenly — under his breath.'] I want to 
walk. 

DR. HANWELL 

How old are you.'' 

PAT 

It doesn't matter how old I am. I'm old enough to 
walk. 

DR. HANWELL 

Well, you'll have the pillows, and we'll move you to a 
quieter place, and you'll walk as soon as Nature permits. 
There! Feel more cheerful? 

PAT 

I do not. I'll never walk. 

DR. HANWELL 

You mustn't feel that way about it. 

PAT 

I do feel that way about it. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Breezily.'] Don't brood! Cheer up! 
-C 88 > 



DEVOTION 

PAT 

I can't. ^Indicates the others.'] They're cheerfuL 
I hate it. 

DR. HANWELL 

lSmiling.1 You seem to hate everything. 

PAT 

I do. 

DR. HANWELL 

You don't hate me? 

PAT 

l^Looks at him long and hard.] I do not. 

DR. HANWELL 

[JSmiling.'] Well, that's something. 

PAT 

[^Gets sullen again.] Only when you ask me ques- 
tions, an' tell me to be cheerful. 

DR. HANWELL 

I won't tell you any more. 

PAT 

All right! 

DR. HANWELL 

Now smile. 

< 89 y 



OUT THERE 

PAT 

I will not. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Coaxing.] Ah! Ah! Ah! Come on!. You know 
you can. Come on. 
[Smiling broadly at him. Pat smiles slowly and re- 

luctantly.] 

There you are ! Do that once every hour. 

pat 
I will not. [He turns away and closes his eyes.] 
[The Doctor looks at them all and turns to the Nurse.] 

DR. HANWELL 

Everything seems very satisfactory. 

NURSE 

Except one thing, doctor. That girl, Annie, the gen- 
eral help . . . 

DR. HANWELL 

What of her.? 

NURSE 

Oh, she's very willing, and a hard worker, but she is 
continually breaking rules. I find her doing things for 
the men — giving them things, moving them, replacing 
their bandages. I've warned her repeatedly. She's 
always hovering around them. Now that's all wrong, 
isn't it.'' 

-C 90 > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 



Certainly it is. 



NURSE 

This morning I found her lifting a man up down there. 

DR. HANWELL 

Lifting him.'' 

NURSE 

Yes. He wanted to change his position, and asked 
her, and I found her doing it. It might be very danger- 
ous in some cases. 

DR. HANWELL 

Certainly it might. I'll speak to her when we've fin- 
ished in here. 

NURSE 

Thank you. Doctor! 
[They disappear, talking; the Doctor saying good-bye 
as he passes. Presently his voice is heard very 
faintly.] 

DR. HANWELL 

Well, old man, and how are you ? Quite comfortable ? 

cockney 
Wat's she complainin' abaat.'' Annie's all right, ain't 
she.'' 

-C 91 > 



OUT THERE 

CANADIAN 

Of course she is. She tried to move me once. 

COCKNEY 

[Laughs.] Fancy trying to move 'im. 

CANADIAN 

Yes, me. I couldn't move meself. Didn't do any 
harm, did it.'' 

COCKNEY 

Not by the looks of yer. 

CANADIAN 

Well, what's the matter with my looks? 

COCKNEY 

'Ere, w'at do you say, Pat — Pat, Pat.'' 

PAT 

[Opening his eyes.] What.'' 

COCKNEY 

W'at do you say abaat Annie ,^ 

PAT 

About who? 

COCKNEY 

Annie. 

-C 92 > 



DEVOTION 

PAT 

Annie? Oh, she's all right. Only, I wish to good- 
ness she wouldn't try to sing. I hate it. 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Let her sing all she wants, if only she wouldn't keep 
washin' ! She's always washin' round me. The place 
round me is that damp, I'll get my death o' cold some 
day if she don' stop. [^Coughs.'\ 

COCKNEY 

Ho ! Go h'on ! 

PAT 

I hate her washin', too. Once a week's enough. 

COCKNEY 

Yaas, for anybody. Oh, g'wan, ef thet's all y've got 
t' s'y abaat her. Don't she w'eel y' aat in the sun.'' 
Ain't she alwa's tryin' t' find aat w'at y' want.'' Yaas! 
[^The Scotchman goes on methodically dressing. The 

New Zealander painfully begins to write a letter. 

The Cockney starts playing his mouth-organ. He 

plays louder and louder, wagging his head in time to 

the tune.J 



Stop that ! 

-C 93 > 



OUT THERE 

COCKNEY 

All right, maite! [Quiets down until you can just 
hear the tune.^ 

ANNIE 

[Enters, carrying glass of milk and sandwich on tray 
in one hand and pail of water and wash rags in the 
other. She is dressed in the uniform of a general 
" help." She wears a battered soldier's cap and has a 
torn piece of a flag tied round her waist.] 

COCKNEY 

'Ello, Annie! Wat yer got? 

CANADIAN 

[Reaching out for the tray.} Grub! 

ANNIE 

'Ere! 'E's going out. 

[Places tray in front of Scotchman.] 

SCOTCHMAN 

Thank yer. Miss ! 

ANNIE 

You're always thinkin' of something t' eat. 

CANADIAN 

Well, I'm always hungry. 

-C 94 > 



DEVOTION 

ANNIE 

Yaas, that's w'y you got such a nice figure. 
\^She looks around, makes up her mind where to begin, 
then goes to cot 1, and starts washing chair.'] 

NEW ZEALANDER 

\Irritahly .] What are you always washing round me 
for? First thing, I'll get my death of pneumonia. 

ANNIE 

[Her face is quite bright — the sadness and anxiety 
have gone from it. She seems quite happy.] Permonia ! 
You make me laugh. Ain't y' bin standin' in mud an' 
water f'r months? Permonia. 
[In turning round to wash chair she bumps against him. 

He makes a gesture.] 

Well, y' know, I've got t' keep y' clean. 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Can't ye see I'm writin'? 

ANNIE 

Writin' 'ome? 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

That's different. 
[She goes to foot of bed and washes rail. New Zea- 
-C 95 > 



OUT THERE 

LANDER gives Annie a savage look and turns over on 

his right side.^ 

Does this disturb you? 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Oh, go on if ye want to. 

ANNIE 

Oh, no. I'll come back w'en y're aat gittin' the air. 
[Replaces chart holder noisily.] 

NEW ZEALANDER 

[After making several ineffectual attempts to write, 
finally throws the book on the floor savagely.] 

ANNIE 

My! You're nervous! 
[Sees the package of " Woodbine " cigarettes on the ta- 
ble, picks it up, and hands it to him.] 
W'y don't y' smoke .'' 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Can't use them things. 

ANNIE 

Wat's the matter with 'em ? [Smells them.] They're 
" Woodbines." 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Can't use 'em, I tell ye. 

-c 96 :> 



DEVOTION 

ANNIE 

[Puts the package back on the table.] Wat kind d' y' 
like? 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Ee-gyptian. 

ANNIE 

Egyptian? I'll see if I can git y' some. 

NEW ZEALANDER 

You get some? Where? 

ANNIE 

I dunno. Somewheres. I might run acrorst 'em 
some place. 

NEW ZEALANDER 

[Grimly.] There ain't no shops out here, young 
woman. 

ANNIE 

I'll run acrorst some one 'oo 'as 'em. See if I don't! 

NEW ZEALANDER 

[Brightening up.] I would like a few. 

ANNIE 

Leave it to me. 
[Picks up his pen and puts a piece of paper in front of 
him.] 

Go on with y'r letter. 'Ere! 'Ave a dry smoke. 
< 97 > 



OUT THERE 

[Takes a " Woodbine " out of the package and makes 

him put it in his mouth.'\ 

Put it in yer mouth and make yer mind say as 'ow it's 
'Gyptian. Don't 'ave ter light it — chew it. 
[Smiles at him, takes up her pail and goes on. She 

stops by the Scotchman,] 

Goin, ain't y' ? 

SCOTCHMAN 

Aye. 

ANNIE 

I'll tidy up afterwards. 'Opes y' 'ave a nice journey. 

SCOTCHMAN 

Thank ye, miss. 

ANNIE 

Drop us a card an* let's know 'ow y're gittin' on. 

SCOTCHMAN 

A' reet. 

ANNIE 

Make it a picture postcard. 

SCOTCHMAN 

A' reet. 

ANNIE 

Cheer oK ! Canada ! 

-C 98 > 



DEVOTION 

CANADIAN 

Hello, Annie! 

ANNIE 

[^Washing his chair.l Give us y'r bit o' shrapnel! 

CANADIAN 

I should* say not. 

ANNIE 

Oh, gwan ! Be a sport ! 

CANADIAN 

What. do you want with it? 

ANNIE 

Maike it into a bracelet f'r me big sister. 

CANADIAN 

l^Laughs.l Get a bit of y'r own. 



I will. [^Picking up gas mask from chair. 1 Oh, isn't 
that pretty? 

CANADIAN 

[Taking it from her.] Here, you let my lady friend 
alone. 

ANNIE 

I'm lookin' f'r keepsaikes. See this cap? 
-C 99 > 



OUT THERE 

CANADIAN 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

It come from Flanders. 

CANADIAN 

NO! 

ANNIE 

Yaas, it did. See this 'ere flag? 

CANADIAN 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

It come from Wipers. All I want now is your bit o' 
shrapnel. 

CANADIAN 

Well, y' don't get it. 

ANNIE 

O, yaaSj I will. 

CANADIAN 

Oh, no, you won't. 

ANNIE 

O, yaas, I will — 

< 100 > 



DEVOTION 

CANADIAN 

Oh, no, you won't. 

ANNIE 

Oh, yaas, I will — you see if I don't. Got everythin' 
y' want? 

CANADIAN 

No. 

ANNIE 

Wat's missin'.^ 

CANADIAN 

If ye see a nice box o' seegars send 'em round here. 

ANNIE 

Don' know abaat a box. Would a couple do t' go on 
wiv? 

CANADIAN 

[Starting up.} Why? Have ye got some? 

ANNIE 

No. 

[Canadian groans and falls back.'\ 

But I'll run acrorst 'em somew'ere. 

CANADIAN 

[Sarcastically. 1 Ye'll find some in the Astor Hotel. 

ANNIE 

All right! I'll git y' some. See if I don't! 
-C 101 > 



OUT THERE 

CANADIAN 

Seein' 's believin' ! I could do with one now first rate. 

ANNIE 

All right, Canada. You leave it to me. 

CANADIAN 

Be sure they're big and black. 

ANNIE 

You taike w'at y' can git. 

CANADIAN 

I will, believe me ! An' glad of 'em. 

ANNIE 

[To Pat.] 'Ow are y', Pat> 

PAT 

I'm not well. 

ANNIE 

You're lookin' much better. 

PAT 

I'm not better. 

ANNIE 

Don't you contradic' me. 

PAT 

Go away. 

< 102 :> 



DEVOTION 

ANNIE 

[Sees the orange.'} W'y, 'e ain't 'ad 'is orange. 
[Picks it up and offers it to him,^ 

PAT 

L'ave it alone. Put it down, out of yer hand, will ye? 
[Takes it out of her hand and puts it on bed.'] 
I hate oranges. 

ANNIE 

Do y*.'' Well, never mind. T'morrow's cherry d'y. 

PAT 

I hate cherries too. That's all they ever think of, 
oranges and cherries. I hate fruit. 

ANNIE 

Wat would y' like? 

PAT 

Never mind what I'd like. I can't get what I'd like. 

ANNIE 

Oh, gwan ! Tell me ! 

PAT 

I will not. [Closes his eyes."] 

ANNIE 

Aw-right, then. Don't! Keep yer dark secret! 
< 103 > 



OUT THERE 

COCKNEY 

I'll tell y' w'at 'e wants. Choc'lits. Thet's w'at 'e 
wants. Gawn — you arst 'im. 

ANNIE 

[To Pat.] Like some — some — sweets? 

PAT 

[Brightens up.'] I would. [Disgustedly.] What 
did ye want to speak about 'em for ? No one ever thinks 
of 'em here. 

ANNIE 

I'll git y' some — 

PAT 

Where would you get them? 

ANNIE 

I dunno — I may run acrost some some place. I saw 
a feller eatin' some this mornin'. 

PAT 

[Wistfully.] Did ye.? 

ANNIE 

[Nods.] I'm sure 'e'd give me some if I arst 'im — 
f 'r meself. 

PAT 

What would he be givin' you sweets for? 



DEVOTION 

ANNIE 

Oh, *e likes bein' washed raan'. 'E comes from Lon- 
don — The Tower 'amlets, 'E's got a bad leg, too, on'y 
'e's laughin' all the time. 

PAT 

So well he may. An' he having chocolates. 

ANNIE 

Yaas. An' pep'mints. 

PAT 

Inclosing his eyes at the thought.'] Oh! I like them. 

ANNIE 

I'll be washin' raand 'is bed soon, an' I'll arst 'im for 
some. 

PAT 

[Disconsolately.'] Oh, he'll have eaten them all by 
then, 

ANNIE 

Not 'e ! 'E's got several boxes. 

PAT 

Don't be too long gettin' round to him. 

ANNIE 

All right, Pat! 

[Goes up to Canadian's table.] 
< 105 > 



OUT THERE 

O' w't a mussy person! {^Sees orange peels, etc., on 
table and bed.] You can make one orange look like a 
box. Can't yer? [Throws all the orange peels into the 
pouch pocket of her apron.] 'Ere, 'old this ! 
[Picks up " Woodbine " package with only one cigarette 

left in it and gives it to Canadian. She dusts the 

table. He puts cigarette in his mouth and throws the 

package on the floor.] 

ANNIE 

'Ere! 'Ere! Wat 'ave I told you about frowin' 
papers on the floor? 

CANADIAN 

[Puts his arm up for protection.] Don't strike me, 
Annie! 

ANNIE 

Make yer get out and pick it up next time. [She 
picks it up.] Fink I was 'ere just ter pick up paper 
arter yer. 

CANADIAN 

[Lights cigarette. Holds up used match.] Annie! 
What shall I do with this ? 

ANNIE 

[She takes it from him, puts it in the pocket in her 
apron, and goes to Pat.] Cheer up, Pat! Y'll soon be 
runnin' abaat agin. 

-C 106 > 



DEVOTION 

^Kneels down and washes round his bed.'] 

PAT 

I'll never run. 

ANNIE 

Yaas, y' will. Y'll be back fightin' bimeby. 

PAT 

I'll never fight again. 

ANNIE 

I s'pose as soon as y' git aat of 'ere y'll be maikin* 
recruitin' speeches. 

PAT 

[Disgustedly.] I will not. I'll never run. An' I'll 
never fight. An' I can't make speeches. I hate 
speeches. I can't do nothin' any more. 

ANNIE 

If y'r ain't goin' ter fight, an' yer ain't goin' ter maike 
speeches, and yer ain't goin' ter run abaat, w'at are y' 
goin' to do for the rest o' yer life? 

PAT 

For the rest o' me life I'm goin' to impose meself on 
the British Gover'ment. 

ANNIE 

[To Cockney.] Ain't 'e the cheerful one? 

-C 107 > 



OUT THEEE 

[To Pat suddenly and enthusiastically.^ 
I'll tell yer 'ow to get well. 

PAT 

How? 

ANNIE 

Keep on wishin' it. Naa taike me. I was more mis'r- 
able 'n you are once. 

PAT 

You were not. 

ANNIE 

Yaas, I was. 

PAT 

Ye couldn't be. 

ANNIE 

Don't you contradic' me. I tell yer I was. It took a 
bit of doin' but I managed it. Do you know 'ow I got 
'appy? 

PAT 

No. 

ANNIE 

I got 'appy 'cause I got out 'ere. Do you know 'ow I 
got aat 'ere.'' 

< 108 > 



DEVOTION 

PAT 

No. 

ANNIE 

I wished meself aat 'ere. 

PAT 

You wished it? Well, if you have another wish comin' 
to you, I wish to God you'd wish yourself back. 

ANNIE 

Cheer o', Pat! Y'll soon be all 'ole an' runnin' abaat 
like a little white rabbit. 

PAT 

I'm sick o' wishin' ! I'm sick o' fightin' ! I'm sick o' 
talkin'. I'd look lovely, wouldn't I, runnin' about like a 
little white rabbit.'' 

[Turns his back on her.] 

If you have nothing better in store for me I wish you'd 
leave me alone altogether. 

ANNIE 

[To Cockney.] I know w'at 'e wants. 'E wants me 
t' sing t' him. 

PAT 

I do not. 

ANNIE 

[Sings.] 

" Oh, Paddy, dear, an' did y' 'ear 



OUT THERE 

The noos they're sendin' raand? 
They'll stop the Irish shamrock naa 
From a-growin' in the graand." 

PAT 

[Covering Ms ears.] My God! To think I should 
live to hear that sung in Cockney ! 
[Cockney plays the last bars of song on mouth organ.] 

COCKNEY 

[Beckons her.] Don't mind 'im. 'E don' mean a 
word 'e says. 

ANNIE 

[Whispering.] 'E do take it 'ard, don't 'e? 

COCKNEY 

Yaas. 

ANNIE 

Awful not t' be aible t' walk. 

COCKNEY 

'Course it is! Still, w'at of it? 'E cawn't walk^ an' 
I cawn't scrap, but we 'ave seen a bit o' life aat 'ere, 
ain't we.^ 

ANNIE 

[Earnestly.] Thet's what I feels. Big life, too. 

COCKNEY 

Yaas. [Sings softly.] 

< no y 



DEVOTION 

" Oh, we 'aven't got much money, 
But — We do see life." 
[Plays on the mouth-organ.'] 

ANNIE 

You're a funny one^ yer know ! Wat did you do afore 
this ? 

COCKNEY 

Maide boxes. Wen I was aat of a job I boxed a bit, 
too. 

ANNIE 

[Eyes glistening.} Prize fighter.^ 

COCKNEY 

Yaas. I was jus' comin' on, too, w'n this broke aat. 
Oh, but my brother! My brother 'Enery! 'E's a won- 
der! Gits five quid a fight at the National Sportin' 
Club. Five quid a fight! Thet's money! 

CANADIAN 

You bet yer life it is. 

COCKNEY 

*E's clarss, 'e is. 'E's somew'ere aat 'ere, too. 

ANNIE 

[Eagerly.'] D'yer ever 'ear of 'Erbert 'Udd.'' 
-C 111 > 



OUT THERE 

COCKNEY 

'Erbert 'Udd? Wat? D'yer mean " Chunky-'Erb," 
o' Camden Taan? 

ANNIE 

l^Excitedly-l Yaas. 

COCKNEY 

Ever 'ear of 'im ! Bli' me ! *E put me aat once. 

ANNIE 

Did 'e? 

COCKNEY 

[Sadly.'] Yaas. Put me aat f'r keeps. Knocked me 
cold. Wat d' you know about 'im? 

ANNIE 

[Proudly.'] Know abaat 'im! 'E's my brother. 

COCKNEY 

[Disbelievingly.] G'wan? 
[Annie nods vigorously.] 
'E ain't? [Incredulously.] 

ANNIE 

Yaas, *e is. 

COCKNEY 

G'wan. *E ain't. 

ANNIE 

[Hurt.] I tell y', 'e is. 

< 112 > 



DEVOTION 

COCKNEY 

[Looking at her with new interest.'] Well, bli' me! 
or " Chunk's " sister ! 

[Annie nods, her eyes glistening.'] 

'E's a bit of aw right wi' the mitts. Got a wicked 
left! Caught me in the ear-'ole. See thet? [Shows 
his ear.] Ga' me a thick un, an' no mistaike. Reg'Iar 
colliflower I 

ANNIE 

It is a beauty, ain't it? Was it an 'ook? 

COCKNEY 

Yaas, left 'ook. 

ANNIE 

'E's a wonder at that. 

COCKNEY 

Bli' me ! 01' " Chunk's " sister ! W'at are you doin' 
aat 'ere? 

ANNIE 

My bit. 

COCKNEY 

W'ere's "Chunk"? 

ANNIE 

[Evasively.] 'E'll be aat 'ere presently. 



OUT THERE 

COCKNEY 

[Reflectively.] Cocky beggar! 



'Oo is? 
'E is. 

G'wan, 'e ain't. 
Yaas, 'e is. 
Cocky, y'rself. 



COCKNEY 



ANNIE 



COCKNEY 



ANNIE 



COCKNEY 

Never took no notice o' me after 'e knocked me aat. 

ANNIE 

Wat did y' want 'im to do? Kiss yer? 

COCKNEY 

Wait till all this is over. My brother'll give 'im wa't 
for. 

[Looking at her again.'] 

Well, bli' me ! Ol' " Chunk's " sister ! Like y' 
better'n I do 'im ! 

-C 114 > 



DEVOTION 

ANNIE 

Well, that's aw right. But don't you s'y nothin' agin 
'ira. 

[Goes to Pat's cot and washes.'^ 

COCKNEY 

Aw right ! Jus* f 'r your saike I won't. 
[JVhispers behind his hand to Canadian.] 
But wait till my brother meets 'im. 

[Plays "Dead March" and "Cock o' the North" to 
Canadian. Plays the mouth-organ for a few mo- 
ments. Then with a deep sigh.'] 
I wish I 'ad a " Referee." You know. Sunday pai- 

per. Alwa's 'as one o' Sundays. A " Referee," a packit 

o' fags, an' a gal on me arm. Maybe I don't miss 'em ! 

Not 'alf ! Oh, I do wish I 'ad a " Referee." 

ANNIE 

Wot's that yer want.'' 

cockney 

" Referee." 

ANNIE 

I'll see if I can get yer one. 

cockney 
I ain't seen one abaat. 

< 115 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

That don' s'y as there ain't one 'ere. I may run 
acrorst one. 

[Goes to Scotchman's cot and takes up his tray.'\ 

COCKNEY 

If y' do, don' f'rgit " Yours truly." [Plays on mouth- 
organ.'] 

ANNIE 

Awright ! 
[Stops at cot 1, and dusts rail. New Zealander turns 
his back on her.] 

COCKNEY 

Gi'e us a song, Annie ! No one abaat. 

ANNIE 

Cawn't. ... I'm busy. 

COCKNEY 

Oh, g'wan! Doctor an' nurse's on their raands. 

ANNIE 

W'd y' like me to? 

COCKNEY 

Yaas, 

ANNIE 

[Nodding to Pat.] 'E wouldn' like me to sing. 



DEVOTION 

COCKNEY 

Oh, 'e don' mind, so long as they ain't Irish. Besides, 
'e mightn't wake up. 
[To Canadian.] 
W't abaat you.'' 

CANADIAN 

Sure! I like that American one. First time I've 
heard it in Cockney. 

COCKNEY 

W't abaat you. New Zealand .'' 

NEW ZEALANDER 

[Gravely.'] How do you spell " Holocaust "? 

COCKNEY 

Arst me another. 

ANNIE 

Wat's that word ? 

NEW ZEALANDER 

" Holocaust." 

ANNIE 

[Thinking hard.] Wait a minit. I seen it abaat 
somewhere. [Spelling.] " 0-1-e — k-o — [Pause.] 
s-t!" 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Thank ye. I can get nearer than that meself. It be- 
gins with an " h," not a " h'o'." . . . 
< 117 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

Does it? Well, I'll give yer a " H." [She tries to 
spell the word many ways putting an " H " on each 
letter. Finally gives it wp.] You leave a vacant space. 
I'll arst some one as knows 'ow^ ter spell it, 

NEW ZEALANDER 

Much obliged ! You can sing. I'm 'most finished. 

ANNIE 

Aw right! Wot'll I sing? " Weep No Moer "? 

CANADIAN 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

Aw right ! 

[To New Zealander.] 

'Ere! Stop yer writin' ! This is a favour, not an ob- 
ligation. 

[He stops writing.^ 

ANNIE 

[To Cockney.] Naa then. Cockney! Gi's the over- 
ture ! 

[Cockney plays overture of " Weep No More." Cana- 
dian conducts with his crutch.'] 

CANADIAN 

Now then, Annie ! 

-C 118 > 



DEVOTION 

ANNIE 

[Sings song and chorus of " Weep No More." At end' 
of Chorus. 1 Naa then, all together! 
[They all join in the chorus, somewhat inharmoniously. 

The Cockney accompanies on the mouth-organ. '\ 
[The Canadian, sustaining the last note in a very deep 

bass voice, long after all the others have finished.'^ 

'Ere, 'ere ! Wake up, Canada ! 

[He stops suddenly.] 

The war's all over. [She goes off, singing softly."] 

COCKNEY 

[Shaking the Canadian's hand.] Congratulations ! 
You're awright on the bass notes. 
[At end of the song the Scotchman, who is now ready 

to go otit, starts hunting frantically for something.] 
[He turns up the mattress and disarranges the blankets, 

pillows, and water-proof sheet.] 

ANNIE 

[Comes running in, takes both his hands.] 'Ere, 'ere ! 
Wat are yer doin' of? Wat d' yer want? 

SCOTCHMAN 

Ma bonnet ! Whaur's ma bonnet ? 

[Goes down threateningly to the Cockney.] 

Whaur's ma bonnet? 

cockney 
I ain't seen y'r bloomin' bonnit. 
-C 119 > 



OUT THERE 

SCOTCHMAN 

I had it this mornin'. Some o' you's taken it. 
[To Pat.] 
Ha' you got it? 

PAT 

I hate the sight of it. 

SCOTCHMAN 

[Excitedly to Canadian.] Ha' you ma bonnet? 

CANADIAN 

No, sir ! I have not ! 

SCOTCHMAN 

[Shouts across cot at New Zealander.] Whaur's 
that bonnet? 

NEW ZEALANDER 

I don't know. 

ANNIE 

[Handing him khaki hat which she takes from New 
Zealander's cof.] 'Ere! Taike this ! 'Ave an 'at! 

SCOTCHMAN 

I want ma bonnet. 

ANNIE 

Cawn't understand y' wantin' t' wear a bonnit, an' 
skirts, like a gal. Y've grown aat of it long ago. 'Ere ! 
< 120 > 



DEVOTION 

'Ave a false face — 
[Handing him mask.'j 
'Ere's a helmet. 
[Takes Canadian's helmet.'\ 

CANADIAN 

[Takes it from her.] No, I need it in my business. 

ANNIE 

'Ere's one with a 'ole in it. Y* can s'y y' was shot at 
an' yer brain got in the way, and saved yer, and ye 
escaiped ! 

SCOTCHMAN 

[Almost in tears.'] I want ma bonnet. I wouldna 
wear onything else. I brought it wi' me. I want to tak' 
it hame agen. 

[In loud voice to the men.] 

Please, gie ma bonnet. 

[Then to Annie almost in tears.'] 

Please, get me ma bonnet. [He goes on looking for 
bonnet.] 

ANNIE 

[Seeing his distress.] Come on ! Give 'im 'is bon- 
nit. Y've 'ad y'r little joke. Come on! Give 'im 'is 
bonnit. 

[To Ntew Zealander.] 

You got 'is bonnit? 

-C 121 > 



OUT THERE 

NEW ZEAIiANDER 



I ain't got it. 



ANNIE 

[To Canadian.] Come on, w'ere's 'is bonnit? 



CANADIAN 



Nothin' doin'. 



ANNIE 

[To Pat.] W'ere's 'his bonnit.^ 

PAT 

I don't know where it is. 

ANNIE 

[To Cockney.] Hi! Cocky! Where's 'is bonnit? 

[Cockney points under his bed.'} 
[Annie, taking it from under the mattress, holds it up 

so that the strings dangle.'\ 

[To Cockney.] 

I'll 'ide yer music on yer one day. Fancy makin' an- 
other war over that. [She runs over to cot 2 and puts 
bonnet under waterproof sheet; then, uncovering it, 
calls.'] Sandy! 'ere it is! They're both pink, and yer 
couldn't tell the difference. 

SCOTCHMAN 

[Laughs and cries.'] Ma bonnet! Ma preecious bon- 



DEVOTION 

net! [Fondling it.] I thocht I'd lost ye. Ma deear 
bonnet ! 

[To Annie.] 
Whaur was it.^ 

ANNIE 

Under there. 

SCOTCHMAN 

Ah! [Goes back to his bed, sits on chair, and puts 
the bonnet on.] 

[Cockney, Canadian and New Zealander laugh.] 

ANNIE 

[Arranging bed-clothes.] His " bonnet " means more 
to 'im than any o' my 'ats ever did to me. An' I 'ad one 
wif a feather in it. 

SCOTCHMAN 

[Delighted at finding his bonnet, sings.] 

" I love a lassie, 
A bonnie, highland lassie, 
She's as pure as the lily in the dell." 

[They all chime in here, the Cockney with the organ.] 

" She's as sweet as the heather, 
The Bonnie purple heather, 
Annie, my Scotch blue-bell." 

[Sandy gives a whoop at end of song.] 
-C 123 > 



OUT THERE 

[During the last half of this chorus Annie goes off to 
get her pail and tray. She comes on again trying to 
sing the chorus.li 

ANNIE 

I love a lassie 

A bonnie — er — 'i'land lassie 

She's as — er — pure — er — as the lily in the deller — 

She's as sweet as the 'eather 

The bonnie purple — er — 

[She stops short. The Canadian prompts her.] 

CANADIAN 

" Heather." 

ANNIE 

I just said "'eather." Wat, again? Awright! 
" The bonnie purple 'eather," 

CANADIAN 

For the love o' Mike, Annie, give us an " H." 

ANNIE 

Awright! I'll pick one up on the Hannie. [Sings.] 

" Hannie, my Scotch Blue Beller." 
[The Nurse enters with mail, newspapers, etc.] 

NURSE 

[To Annie.] What were you doing? 
-C 124 > 



DEVOTION 

ANNIE 

Nothin'. 

NURSE 

Were you making that noise? 

ANNIE 

Not all of it. 

NURSE 

Go on with your work. Oh ! Here's a letter for you. 

ANNIE 

Thenk-y', miss ! Would yer mind putting it on me 
tray, miss.'' [Reads address as she starts to go.'\ " An- 
nie 'Udd, 'Orspital." Cheer-oh, Cockney. 

[Cockney plays a run on mouth-organ,'] 

PAT 

[Calls to Annie.] Annie! Don't forget the sweets! 

ANNIE 

Awright ! 

PAT 

And arrange this before you go. [Pointing to hack of 
chair.'] 

ANNIE 

I cawn't. I'll get turned out o' the 'orspital. 

< 125 y 



OUT THERE 

PAT 

Lord love us, if they turned you out we'd all go on 
strike. 

ANNIE 

Awright! *0w do you want it, up or down? 

PAT 

Down. 
[Annie is about to adjust the chair when Nurse turns 
round and sees her.^ 

nurse 
Now, what did I tell you about moving the men ? Get 
some clean linen and make this bed, [Pointing to cot.] 

ANNIE 

Yaas, miss ! [^JVhispers.'] Good-bye, Cocky ! 

PAT 

[In a whisper.'] Don't forget the sweets. 
[Annie exits.] 

[Nurse hands out letters, etc., amid thanks and com- 
ments. All have something except Pat.] 

[Nurse 1st gives one letter to New Zealander^ 2nd, 
two letters to Scotchman; 3rd, two letters and 
American newspaper to Canadian; 4th, one letter 
and " Reynolds' Newspaper " to Cockney.] 

CANADIAN 

[Seeing post math.] New York ! 
-C 126 > 



DEVOTION 

[Cockney tries to tear open the wrapper with his one 
hand, the Nurse seeing his difficulty. '\ 

NURSE 

I'll open it for you. 

COCKNEY 

Bli' me! It's "Reynolds's." [Starts to read.] 

NURSE 

[To Pat.] I'm sorry there's nothing for you. 

PAT 

That's all right. No one ever writes to me. [Pause.] 
An' I never write to any one either. It saves a lot of 
trouble on both sides. 

NURSE 

But I have a package for you. 

[Gives him package, then goes to cot 1.] 

COCKNEY 

[To Pat.] Wat oh! Choc'lits.> 

PAT 

[Quickly unpacks box to find they are oranges.] My 
God! [Throws box on cot.] 
[They all laugh.] 

NURSE 

It's time for your airing. 

-C 127 > 



OUT THERE 

COCKNEY 

Aw right, miss ! 

[Nurse is about to help New Zealander from cot.^ 

NEW zealander 

Never mind, Sister! I'm getting on fine. 

nurse 
[Goes to Cockney's cot. Speaks to Sandy as she 
passes. 1 Help him, please! 

new zealander 

[Meets Sandy as he comes to foot of his cot. Sandy 
is carrying his comfort-bag.] Good-bye, Sandy, old 
man ! I shall soon be with yer again. All among the 
whizz-bangs and the pip-squeaks. 

[They go off arm in arm.] 

CANADIAN 

[Hopping after them with the aid of his crutch.] 
Here ! Wait a minute, Sandy ! I want to say good-bye 
to you. 

nurse 

[To Cockney.] You can read that outside. 



Yaas, miss! 



Come on, Pat. 



cockney 



nurse 



< 128 > 



DEVOTION 

PAT 

I'd rather stay here. 

NURSE 

Oh, no. You must get some sunshine and air. I'll 
wheel you. 

COCKNEY 

Le' me ! I a'ways do, y' know. 

NURSE 

Thank you ! Did you get your " Woodbine " ciga- 
rettes ? 

COCKNEY 

Yaas, miss ! In me pockit. 

[Nurse goes off into next ward.'] 

[To Pat.] 

'Ere! 'Old this! 

[Gives him " Reynolds's " to hold.'\ 

PAT 

I'd rather stay here. 

COCKNEY 

Naa, if you say another word I'll 'it yer, see? 
[He playfully puts his fist against Pat's face and laughs. 
Starts wheeling Pat off L. and sings.] 

" So 'old yer 'and aat, naughty boy I 
'Old yer 'and aat, y' naughty boy ! 
< 129 > 



OUT THERE 

Last night, in the pale moonlight, 

I saw yer ! I saw yer ! 

With a nice girl in the park; 

You were stroUin' full o' joy, 

And ye told 'er ye never kissed a girl before; 

'Old yer 'and out, y' naughty boy ! " 

[On each " I saw yer " he makes a little hop, and is just 
out of sight at the end of the song.^ 

[Annie comes in, carrying two clean sheets and pillow 
cases and some loose chocolates. She places Pat's 
pillow at foot of bed, over the box of oranges, and lays 
out six chocolates on it. She goes to cot 2, imitating 
Cockney in his song and hop, and starts to make up 
the bed. As she does this she sings all the Cockney 
ditties she can think of. The bed is nearly made when 
she hears the Doctor coming. She runs to Pat's cot 
and covers up the chocolates just as the Doctor en- 
ters. 1 

doctor 

[Genially.] Well, and how is " Nurse " Annie? 

ANNIE 

I wish I was " Nurse " Annie. 

DR. HANWELL 

You mustn't be in a hurry. 

ANNIE 

D' y' think I ever will be ? 

< 130 y 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

There's no reason why you shouldn't. Just now you 
must be content to do what you can. 

ANNIE 

IQuickly.l Oh, I'm content, sir. Reely, I am. An' 
'appy, too. 'Appier 'n I've ever bin, or thought of being. 

DR. HANWELL 

That's right. Not " Haunted " any more? 

ANNIE 

No, sir. [Smiles sheepishly.'] " Cheery " Annie, 
they calls me 'ere. 

DR. HANWELL 

Good! 

ANNIE 

I keep their minds orf themselves. Yaas, sir. I'm 
doing jes' w'at I used t' dream abaat, an' think abaat — 
workin' f'r the soljers, doin' somethin' f'r them, bein' 
near 'em. It's not much I'm doin'. Still, it is somethin'. 
[Smiles wistfully.'] 'Course, I saw meself with a uni- 
form an' a crorss all red acrorss me chest. I would like 
to be a nurse in a real uniform. It'd be fine to go back 
t' Camden Taan like one o' them titled laidies y' see in 
the illustrated paipers. . . . Mother an' Liz would stare, 
an' no mistake. 

< 131 y 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

What do you hear from them? 

ANNIE 

'Erb's gorn. 

DR. HANWELL 

'Erb? 

ANNIE 

My brother. You know! 'E's 'listed. I've just 'ad 
a letter from mother. 'E went orf the very d'y I left. 
'Course 'e ain't fightin' yet! Just trainin'. Oh, an' 
mother! She's goin' t' do somethin'. 

DR. HANWELL 

Isn't that splendid.? What? 

ANNIE 

She don' s'y w'at. She just says, " Somethin'," she 
says. I 'xpee' she'd bin 'avin' a little drop o' comfort. 
Still, she writes very cheerful. Not orf'n she's cheerful. 
Gin's a depressin' sperrit, ain't it? 

DR. HANWELL 

Very. 

ANNIE 

Oh, an' she says Lizzie's — my sister, you know — 
Lizzie's willin' t' maike war-stuff if they p'y 'er better'n 
she's gettin'. 

< 132 > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 



Good! 



ANNIE 

So, taike it all in all, aar fem'ly's doin* aar bit. 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes — indeed ! [Laughing genially and taking out 
cigarette case.1 You seem to have stirred them all up. 

ANNIE 

[Eyeing the cigarettes.^ Yaas, sir. An' Camden 
Taan taikes a bit o' stirrin', I can tell y'. 

DR. HANWELL 

I suppose so. 

ANNIE 

[Suddenly stops making bed. Pointing to cigarettes.ll 
Are they 'Gyptian ? 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

Can y' spare one ? 

DR. HANWELL 

[Astonished.'] Do you smoke? 

ANNIE 

[Evasively.] Oh, I won' s'y I do an* I won' s'y I 
< 133 > 



OUT THERE 

don't. But I would like one — if y' don' mind. 
[Dr. Hanwell holds out the case amusedly. Annie 

takes one.'\ 

Sure y' can spare it? 

DR. HANWELL 

Oh, yes. [Going to close the case.'\ 

ANNIE 

Could I 'ave another? 

DR. HANWELL 

Certainly. 
[Holds out the case again and amusedly watches her take 
another.'\ 

ANNIE 

Thank ye, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

You have expensive tastes. 

ANNIE 

[Holding the two cigarettes gingerly in her fingers. ^ 
Yaas, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

You mustn't smoke on duty. 

ANNIE 

Oh, no, sir. Not me. [Goes on with her work.l 
< 134 > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

[^Just about to go out, remembering, turns back.'] By 
the way, that reminds me. I've had some complaints 
about you. 

ANNIE 

[Startled.'] Complaints? Abaat me? 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

[Her eyes filling.] I do me bes', sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

It isn't about your work. 

ANNIE 

Wat is it, then.^ 

DR. HANWELL 

You mustn't go near the men so much. You can speak 
to them, of course. But you mustn't touch them. Only 
nurses are allowed to do that. 

ANNIE 

Oh, but I don't orf'en. 

DR. HANWELL 

But — 

ANNIE 

On'y w'en no one's bin near. 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

You mustn't at any time. 

ANNIE 

Sometimes they cry aat f 'r somethin' — water, or an 
orange, or to 'elp 'em move w'en they ain't able to by 
theirselves. I on'y moved Brown 'cos 'is shoulder 'ad 
gorn to sleep. Yer know, y' cawn't git yer eyes to sleep 
if yer shoulder does it first. 

DR. HANWELL 

You must leave that to the nurses. 

ANNIE 

But if she ain't there? 

DR. HANWELL 

Bring her. 

ANNIE 

It ain't much that I do, reely it ain't. 

DR. HANWELL 

It might be very serious. Supposing the man 
shouldn't have water or an orange? Suppose it was the 
worst thing he could possibly have? 

ANNIE 

[Discouraged.l I see, sir. 

< 136 :}. 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

And many cases must not be moved. The bandages 
may slip. It might be very serious. 

ANNIE 

YaaSj sir, 

DR. HANWELL 

I don't like having complaints. You must obey the 
rules. 

ANNIE 

[Earnestly.] Oh, I do. Indeed I do. I fetch an' 
carry, an' wash up an' mend all d'y. [With a wan 
smile.] W'enever I've touched 'em, or give 'em any thin', 
it's bin a bit of extry. 

DR. HANWELL 

You must deny yourself " extras." The only way you 
can hope to get on is by scrupulously obeying. 

ANNIE 

[Disconsolately.] All right, sir. I will. 

DR. HANWELL 

Now don't get " Haunted " again. 

ANNIE 

[Brightening.] I won't. 

DR. HANWELL 

Discipline, my girl. Discipline. 
< 137 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

[Nodding intelligently.] I know. Same as the sol- 
jers. We're all soljers aat 'ere, ain't we? 

DR. HANWELL 

We are. And we must all obey the superior com- 
mand. That's the only way to win. 

ANNIE 

[Determinedly. 1 An' we are goin' t* win? 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

We got to win, bli' me ! 

DR. HANWELL 

So no more complaints, Annie. 

ANNIE 

No, sir, 

DR. HANWELL 

Be a good girl. [Walks away.] 

ANNIE 

[Hurrying after him.] Doctor, can I 'ave a cigar? 

DR. HANWELL 

[Turns back to her.] Now don't tell me you smoke 
cigars ? 

< 138 > 



DEVOTION 

ANNIE 

No, sir. But I like to 'ave one 'andy. 

DR. HANWELL 

Why.? 

ANNIE 

Oh, jus' becos. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Looking at her sternly,] Whom do you want it for? 

ANNIE 

Won't git 'im into trouble? 

DR. HANWELL 

No. 

ANNIE 

[Points to cot.] The Canadian. 'E wants one some- 
thin' awful. 

DR. HANWELL 

Now, there's another instance. It might be the worst 
thing for him. You must say ivhom you want these 
things for. 

ANNIE 

It couldn't 'urt 'im. 'E's a big feller. 

DR. HANWELL 

That doesn't matter. You must ask. 

ANNIE 

Well, I 'ave asked. May 'e 'ave one? 
< 139 > 



OUT THERE 

DR. HANWELL 

[He holds open case. She takes one.'] Yes. 

ANNIE 

My, they are big, ain't they? Have you got a black 
one? 

DR. HANWELL 

Here, try this one. 

ANNIE 

Oh, that's brown, too. 

DR. HANWELL 

Here's another one. 

ANNIE 

Oh, they will last him an awful long time. 

DR. HANWELL 

I'll send him round some. But, remember, always 
ask. 

ANNIE 

I will. An' thenk y', sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Struck by a thought.] Annie! 

ANNIE 

Yaas, sir. 

< 140 y 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

You don't want those cigarettes for yourself. Do 
you? 

ANNIE 

[Evasively.] Well, y' see — [Picks up cigarettes 
and cigars quickly.] 

DR. HANWELL 

Whom are you collecting them for.'* 

ANNIE 

[Frightened.'] The New Zealander, Bates. 

DR. HANWELL 

Why did you say you wanted them for yourself? 

ANNIE 

[Faintly.] I thought p'r'aps y' mightn't let me 'ave 
'em if y' knew. 

[Pause — Dr. Hanwell looks sternly at her.] 
It won't 'appen agin, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

I hope not. 

ANNIE 

May 'e 'ave 'em, sir? 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. 

< 141 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

Thenk y'! Won't 'appen agin! Doctor, I've got 
three cigars; can I 'ave another cigarette? 
[Dr. Hanwell gives her one more cigarette — he is 

about to go off.l 

Thenk yer, sir ! Won't 'appen agin ! 

[Runs to New Zealander's cot, gets pen and paper."] 

Would yer mind writing a word down for me? 

DR. hanwell 
[Taking the pen and paper.] What is the word? 

ANNIE 

" Olecorst." 

DR. HANWELL 

[Looks at her and smiles.] Who's this for? 

ANNIE 

The New Zealander, Bates. That won't 'urt 'im, will 
it? 

DR. HANWELL 

Not on paper. [He writes the word and shakes the 
fountain pen. Some ink spurts onto the floor.] 

ANNIE 

That's w'y they call 'em fountain pens, ain't it? 

DR. HANWELL 

[Smiles and gives her pen and paper. She puts them 

< 142 :^. 



DEVOTION 

on New Zealander's table.] Have you any other 
friends with any little idiosyncrasies? 

ANNIE 

[Shocked — not understanding.'] Oh, no, sir. 
Nothin* like that in this ward, sir. 

NURSE 

[Enters.] Two fresh cases, doctor. 
[She gives the Doctor two fever charts. To Annie.] 
Turn down those covers and remove the pillows. 
[Annie moves the table R. of cot 3 back a little. Puts 
pillows from cot 3 on chair, then takes the clothes off 
and holds them up at foot of cot. Two Bearers come 
in, with a new case. They lay the stretcher on the 
empty cot, 3, guided by the Nurse. Annie replaces 
covers. Two other Bearers carry on another case 
and, by the Nurse's order, place the stretcher on the 
cot vacated by the Scotchman. The Nurse has re- 
moved the pillows and is standing with bed clothes at 
foot of cot 2. The men are put in the beds very 
carefully, and the covers drawn over them. Dr. 
Hanwell dismisses the two Bearers, and with the 
Nurse, arranges the men in the most comfortable 
positions. One is bandaged across the head. The 
other has his arm bound, and his back and chest band- 
aged. As the two Bearers pass out, Annie touches 
the last one timidly. He stops.] 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

[In a whisper, pointing to a paper half out of his 
pocket.] Is that the " Referee "? 

BEARER 

Yes. 

ANNIE 

Can I 'ave it.'' 



[Cheerfully.] All right! [Takes it out and gives it 
to her."] 

ANNIE 

[Very pleased.] I'm much obliged. 
[Runs across and places " Referee " on Cockney's cot.] 
[Bearer joins the other Bearer. They pass out.] 

DR. HANWELL 

They've both had opiates.^ 

NURSE 

Yes, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

[Continuing conversation with the Nurse and moving 
away, the Nurse following.] Come across with me, and 
I'll give them to you. 

[Stops when he sees Annie.] 

Stay here until the nurse comes back. [Hurries out.] 

< 144 y 



DEVOTION 

NURSE 

[Severely, to Annie.] And don't speak to them — or 
touch them. They mustn't be zvakened or moved. 

ANNIE 

I know, miss. I won't. 
[Nurse rapidly follows the Doctor out. Annie looks 
in awe and pity at the two men. The one in No. 2 
is lying zvith his head away from her. No. 3 is 
perfectly motionless, too, lying flat on his back. 
Annie gives a little shiver, then goes to the New 
Zealander's cot and puts the cigarettes, with the 
scrap of note paper, on his pillow. She looks at the 
men as she passes, and hurriedly puts the cigars on 
the Canadian's pillow. The man in No S suddenly 
begins to speak in his delirium — he counts continu- 
ally.'] 

no. 3 

[7n delirium.] One — two — three — four — 
charge ! [His voice rises as he mechanically goes on 
counting.] 

[Annie walks over nervously and looks down at him. 
She is going to touch him, but checks herself. She 
looks off worriedly in the direction in which the Nurse 
went, as though anxious for her return. No. 3's voice 
rises louder and louder. Annie tries to read the 
" Referee," so as to resist the temptation to help the 
man. She even walks over with it to the Cockney's 
-C 145 > 



OUT THERE 

cot, and puts it on his pillow. Finally^ as no one 
comes, and unable to stand the ceaseless monotony of 
the man counting, she goes timidly to him, takes his 
hand, and begins to stroke it, singing " Rock-a-by, 
Baiby." Gradually the man's voice gets lower and 
lower, then fades away. Annie stops the lullaby and 
stands looking down at him. Suddenly the man in 
No. 2 struggles up with a groan, gives a cry, and falls 
forward. Annie springs up and puts him back on the 
pillow, then stares at him in mute, helpless horror. 
The Nurse hurries back with some medical packages, 
and catches Annie in the act.^ 

NURSE 

What do you mean by touching that man! 

ANNIE 

[Wildly.] 'E — 'e — 'e — [Her hands beating the 
air helplessly.'] 

NURSE 

This is the last time. You will not be allowed near 
the men again. Leave the ward ! 

ANNIE 

[Trying to speak articulately — glaring wild-eyed at 
the man.] 'E was — 'e was — 'e was — 
[Dr. Hanwell hurries in.] 

DR. HANWELL 

What was that? 



DEVOTION 

NURSE 

She's been doing it again. I found her pulling that 
man about on his pillow, after our strict instructions. 
You said he was not to be- touched. 

DR. HANWELL. 

I did. 

NURSE 

She's not to be trusted near these people. 

[To Annie.] 
Leave the ward. 

ANNIE 

[Finds her voice, and screams vehemently and wildly.] 
He's my man — my sweet'eart — an' I'm not t' touch 
'im! I'm t' be sent aw'y! 'E went becos I arst 'im to, 
an' naa 'e's there dyin', an' I'm not t' touch 'im! I'm t' 
go ! Wat 'ave I done .'' Wat any one would do ! Not 
touch 'em! 

[Points to No. S distractedly.] 

Look at 'im ! Screamin' aat in 'is sleep, an' I stroked 
'im an' sang 'im quiet. 

[To Nurse.] 

Not touch 'em ! I wouldn't 'urt any of 'em. They're 
God's men. Thet's w'at they are. Can any man do 
more 'n they 'ave? 'E's my man — my sweet'eart! 

DR. HANWELL 

[Trying to soothe her.] Quiet! Quiet! Tell me ex- 
actly what you did. 

-C 147 > 



OUT THERE 

ANNIE 

[Breathless — crying distractedly.'] 'E cried aat an' 
fell forward^ an' I 'elped 'im back, saime as 'e is naa. 
An' I sawr 'oo 'e was, an' I was 'oldin' 'im, 'ardly be- 
lievin' it, w'en she come in an' saw me, an' said I was t' 
leave the ward. I sent 'im t 'the war, an' I'm not t' 
touch 'im! 

DR. HANWELIi 

In this instance you were perfectly right. From now, 
he will be your especial care. See that he never plunges 
forward again. He must be watched continually, and 
kept just as he is. Don't allow him, under any circum- 
stances, to fall forward, or he may have a hemorrhage. 
You needn't leave the ward. From now on, you are an 
assistant-nurse. 

ANNIE 

[Dazed — half-hysterical.'] Doctor! 

DR. HANWELL 

Yes. And don't let him speak. 

ANNIE 

[Whispering.] I won't, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

No excitement. 

ANNIE 

I know 'ow t' 'andle 'im, sir. 
[Looking down at him.] 

< 148 > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

[Going to cot 3.] He's been talking? 

ANNIE 

Countin', sir. " One — two — three — four — 
Charge!" Time an' time agin! 

DR. HANWELL 

[Nods under standingly as he looks down at the won.] 
I see. He goes through it all up to the time he was hit. 
You sang to him? 



[Nods. 'I A baiby-song. It used to quiet mother — 
when she was 'urt. 

DR. HANWELL 

Take your instructions from her. From now you're 
her assistant. 
[Annie gulps and half sobs — and nods. She cannot 

speak. '\ 

NURSE 

[To Annie, in a kindly voice."] I'm sorry! I didn't 
know when I spoke to you — 

[Puts her hand on Annie's shoulder.'^ 

ANNIE 

[Huskily.] Aw right, miss! 

-C 149 > 



OUT THERE 

NURSE 

Take care of them for a few minutes. You seem to 
know how. [^She hurries owf.] 

ANNIE 

[Dr. Hanwell goes back to cot 2 and listens to the 
man's breathing. She asks, xvild-eyed and anxious.'\ 
Will 'e — will 'e die, sir .'' 

DR. HANWELL 

Certainly not! 

ANNIE 

\^Her hand goes to her mouth and stifles a cry."] Oh! 
Will 'elive? 

DR. HANWELL 

Of course he will. We must keep him asleep. Na- 
ture is fighting for him now. He has everything on his 
side. How old is he? 

ANNIE 

Twen'y-four, sir. 

DR. HANWELL 

He'll live many more years. [^Smiling.'] It will be 
a very happy waking for him. But — [Warning her.] 
— no fuss ! 

ANNIE 

I know 'ow to 'andle him — 

< 150 > 



DEVOTION 

DR. HANWELL 

You're a good girl, Annie. 

ANNIE 

[Huskily.'] You're a fine man, sir! 
[Dr. Hanwell goes out.] 
[Annie looks down at her man — resists the inclination 
to touch him — sits between the tzvo beds — thinks, 
takes off her apron and folds it up and puts it under 
the chair — then takes from her bosom a little crum- 
pled nurse's cap, smooths it out, and puts it on. The 
man in No. 3 begins to count faintly — she looks at him 
— then at No. 2 — who stirs uneasily. The man's 
counting grows louder. She stands up — irresolutely 
looking from one cot to the other — and without leav- 
ing her sweetheart's side, begins to croon " Rock-a-by, 
Baiby." The man's voice rises louder and louder. 
She sees that she must go to him if she is to quiet him. 
She nerves herself to leave her lover's cot — goes to 
the troubled man, and closing her eyes with an effort 
she sings as she did before and strokes his hand. In 
a little while the man's voice begins to soften. He is 
still. She gives a great sigh of relief, and goes back 
and sits and watches her lover. The sound of voices 
quite near is heard, and the men appear, returning 
from their airing. Cockney comes in first wheeling 
Pat, followed by Canadian, Scotchman and New 
Zealander. She motions them to be quiet, and points 
to the two new cases. They nod and creep in. The 
< 151 > 



OUT THERE 

Cockney noiselessly wheels Pat over to his place. 
As the New Zealander sits down by his cot he sees 
the cigarettes — gives an ejaculation, picks up one — 
lights it — and inhales with evident satisfaction. 
Then the Cockney finds the " Referee " and cries 
under his breath, " BW me! " — throws himself full 
length on the coverlet and, turning to the middle page, 
eagerly reads the sporting items. Then the Canadian 
finds the cigars, gives a little cry — bites the end off 
one, lights it, and starts smoking — his face beaming. 
Lastly, Pat, frowningly, looking around, sees the 
chocolates on his pillow. He takes them up suspi- 
ciously — slowly a broad smile creases his features. 
He takes a chocolate and devours it.] 
[The Cockney looks at Annie — and points her out to 
Canadian and the others, touching his head to indi- 
cate the nurse's cap.] 

CANADIAN 

[In a whisper.] Annie, w'at's thet f'r? 

ANNIE 

[In a whisper.] I've got a right t' wear it. 

CANADIAN 

[Whispering.] Wat? Are y' a nurse? 

ANNIE 

[Solemnly and proudly.] Yaas, I'm hassistant 
nurse. 

ENE OF PART II 

-C 152 > 




2; 



PART III 
" REVELATION " 



DIVISION ONE 

Mrs. Hudd's Rooms 

Mrs. Hudd 

Miss Elizabeth Hudd 
Private Herbert Hudd 
Mr. Montague Marsh 



" REVELATION " 
Division One 

Scene: Mrs. Hudd's rooms. 

Mrs. Hudd's living-room has been considerably bright- 
ened. It is cleaner and neater. Many new dishes 
have been added to the dresser. A good-sized mirror 
and a clock adorn the walls. The table has on it a 
brightly coloured cloth. 

It is night. The room is lit by two lamps, one on the 
table and one on the dresser. There is a gas-jet in the 
hallway. 

The door opens and Private Hudd, in uniform, looks in. 

His face is tanned by the sun and wind, and he is at- 
tempting to grow a somewhat anaemic moustache. 
Finding the room empty, he turns and beckons. 

'erb 
Come in ! 
[Mr. Montague Marsh enters, very much better-dressed 
than when we last saw him. He is carrying a new 
hat and cane, and is gloved.^ 

Sit daan! [Goes into inner room, calling out boister- 
ously and singing. '\ 

< 157 y 



OUT THERE 

'Ere we are ! 
'Ere we are ! 
'Ere we are again! 

'Ello, ma ! Wat oh, Liz ! 

\^His mother and sister can be heard greeting him.'] 

MRS. HUDD 

[Afectionately.] W'y, 'Erb! 

LIZZIE 

l^With no enthusiasm."] 'Ello. 

'erb 
Go in an' see 'oo I've brought y*. 

LIZZIE 

'Oo? 

'erb 
Go in an' see. 

LIZZIE 

We're not 'avin visitors jut' naa. 

'erb 
[Pushing her into the room.] Ga'n in. \^He closes 
the door.] 

< 158 > 



"REVELATION" 

LIZZLB 

'Ere! 'Oo yer shoving of? 
[Lizzie, much more quietly dressed, and far more acerb 
of manner, comes in suspiciously and looks at Monte 
disgustedly.^ 
Monte! [About to go out again.] 

MONTE 

Liz — Miss 'Udd — 

LIZZIS 

Wat brought y' 'ere? 

MONTE 

'E did. I 'appened t' meet 'Erb — Private 'Udd, 'e 
likes 'isself t' be called naa — met 'im yes'dy arft'noon, 
an' we 'ad a bit of a chin. An' 'e said, " Come on 'ome 
wi' me t'morrer," 'e said. " T'morrer evenin'," 'e said. 
An' I said, " No "; I said " No." An' 'e said, " Yes "; 
'e said, " Y' got to." So I come. I 'ear the doll-chap's 
gorn? 



'Oo told y'? 

'Erb. 

Like 'is cheek! 



LIZZIE 



MONTE 



LIZZIE 



< 15.9 > 



OUT THERE 

MONTE 

Trav'lin' men ain't no good. Got a gal in ev'ry taan. 
Nothin' like a real stand-by, Y' know w'ere 'e maikes 
'is 'ome. 

LIZZIE 

Yaas, Woolwich ! 

MONTE 

An' very nice, too. Wat abaat it, Liz — Miss 'Udd.'* 
It's there, waitin' f'r y'. 

LIZZIE 

No fear! Not with all I've got on me mind! 

MONTE 

Oh! 

LIZZIE 

I'm 'elpin' the Gov'm'nt naa. 

MONTE 

I know — munitions. 

LIZZIE 

Yaas. Wen I've pulled them through I'll see abaat 
you, — an' Woolwich. 

MONTE 

[Going to her joyfully.] Oh, Liz — Miss 'Udd! 
-C 160 > 



"REVELATION" 

LIZZIE 

Aw right naa. Taike y'r time ! 

MONTE 

Then I m'y 'ope? 

LIZZIE 

The's no lawr agin 'oping. 

MONTE 

[With a deep breath.] Ah! I thought y' loved me. 

LIZZIE 

Loved y't [Laughs sneeringly.'] The's not much 
love in Camden Taan. 

MONTE 

[Fervently.] There is — in Woolwich — lots of it. 
Will y' walk aat agin ? 

LIZZIE 

The's no 'urry. Wait till I've done me job, Cawn't 
think o' marriage wi' the war on. 

'erb 
[From inner room.] Come on, ma! 

MRS. HUDD 

[From inner room.] Aw right, dearie. 

LIZZIE 

An', see ! Nothin' t' ma, or 'Erb, or it's all orf. 
< 161 > 



OUT THERE 

MONTE 

Aw right, Liz ! Then I m'y come araand an' taike y* 
aat? 

LIZZIE 

I s'pose so. 

MONTE 

I do feel 'appy. 

LIZZIE 

Don' taike much t' maike y' 'appy! Do it? 

MONTE 

It taikes you. 

LIZZIE 

Y' ain't got me yet. 

MONTE 

G'wan! [Playfully slapping her.'] Yaas, I 'ave. 

LIZZIE 

[Slapping him quite hard.] No, y' ain't. 

MONTE 

[Slapping her again.] Oh, yaas, I 'ave. 

LIZZIE 

[Hitting him on the face.] I s'y you ain't. 
['Erb quietly opens the door and brings in his mother 
— they both see the blows.] 

< 162 y 



"REVELATION" 

'erb 
W'y, they're a-'ittin' of each other. They mus' be 
engaiged. 

LIZZIE 

[Angrily.^ Not yet, I ain't. 

'erb 
But y're goin' to be. I know 'ow y' maikes love. I've 
seen y'. 

[To Monte.] 

The 'arder she 'its, the more she cares. 

[To Lizzie.] 

Ga on ! Give 'im a good un. 

LIZZIE 

[Furiously.'] Oh, le' me alone! [Goes away.] 

MRS. HUDD 

[Very respectably dressed, her hair nicely done, and 
her whole manner very much improved, shakes hands 
with Monte.] Very glad, I'm sure! 

MONTE 

It's a treat t' see y', Mrs. 'Udd. 

'erb 
So you're workin' reg'lar, eh? 

MRS. HUDD 

[In a very superior manner.] Yaas, 'Erb. Light, 
but steady ! I hopens the door at an 'orspital. 
< 163 > 



OUT THERE 

'erb 
An' Liz is raakin' shells, eh? 

LIZZIE 

An' w'y shouldn't I? They p'ys me well. 

'erb 
My Gawd! 'Ow the money rolls in. Liz maikes the 
shells ! Monte maikes the guns ! I'm goin' aat t' fire 
'em! Mother opens the door at the 'orspital! An' sis- 
ter Annie nnrses 'em! Wat oh, the 'Udds! [^Sings.'\ 

" 'Ere we are ! 
'Ere we are ! 
'Ere we are agin ! " 

[To Lizzie.] 

S'y, I've got a little treat f'r y' t'night. 

lizzie 
[B Tightening. 1 The theaytre.'' 

'erb 
Naow. Better 'n thet. 

lizzie 
W'at.> 

'erb 
A recruitin' meetin'. 

-C 164 > 



"REVELATION" 

LIZZIE 

[Disgustedly.] Oh! Not f'r me. 

'erb 
'Oo d'y think's goin' t' speak? 

LIZZIE 

'Oo? Lloy' George? 

'erb 
Naow, Annie! 

LIZZIK 

Annie? Annie speak? 

'erb 

Yaas. 

LIZZIE 

Oh^ my Gawd ! 

'erb 
Don't y' maike no mistake! She can. 

LIZZIE 

[Laughs disdainfully.'] Ha! 

MRS. HUDD 

An' w'y not? W'y shouldn't she speak? Ain't she 
my daughter? 

LIZZIE 

Yaas. Thet's w'y! 

< 165 > 



OUT THERE 

MRS. HUDD 

[To Monte.] Me pore gran'father could speak for 
howers without a hefFort w'en 'e was in the 'Ouse of 
Commons. For howers without a hefFort. 

LIZZIE 

Were? 

MRS. HUDD 

[With great dignity.] In the 'Ouse of Commons! 
An' the 'ole country a-waitin' to 'ear w'at 'e said! 

LIZZIE 

'Erb! She's orf agin! 

'erb 
'Course, I never seed 'im, but from all I 'ear, your 
poor old gran'father must 'a' bin a bit of all right. 

MRS. HUDD 

Mr. Marsh .> 
Yes, ma'am. 

MRS. HUDD 

Did y' ever 'ear o' my pore ole gran'father? 

MONTE 

I must 'ave. W'at was 'is naime.'' 
< 166 > 



MONTE 



"REVELATION" 

MRS. HUDD 

'Is naime was Boyle. Y' see, me married naime's 
'Udd, but I'lOf really a Boyle on me mother's side. Oh, 
'e could talk. Oh, my Gord! 'ow he could talk! W'y, 
many's the time with thousands o' people 'e'd -r» 

'erb 
Aw right, ma! Git y'r bonnit on, an' y'r shawl. 
We got a long w'y to go. 

MRS. HUDD 

H'all right, dearie! But don't y' maike no mistaike 
abaat Annie. She's not my daughter f'r nothink. 
[To Monte.] 
D' y' know she's a fully sterrified nurse ? 

MONTE 

Go on, ma'am, is she.'' 

'erb 
Certified, she means. 

MRS. HUDD 

Very glad yer goin' ter join the 'Udd family. 

'erb 
Come on, 'urry up, ma ! It's goin' t' be a graite 
meetin'. 

[Passes her across to the door. She goes out.'] 
< 167 > 



OUT THERE 

['Erb, closing the door after her, sings " 'Ere we are 

agin." 

Pore ol' ma ! An' Gran'father ! Come on, Liz ! Put 
y'r duds on! 

LIZZIE 

I don't care abaat goin'. 

MONTE 

[Jumping at the opportunity.] Nor do I. Tell y' 
w'at! I'll st'y 'ere with you. 

'erb 
[Threateningly.'] Wat's thet? You st'y 'ere wi' 
Liz ? Not if I knows it, y' won't ! 

LIZZIE 

Never you mind abaat 'is st'yin' ! Rather n' that, I'd 
'ear Annie speak. I'll go. [Takes her hat and coat 
from nail on side of dresser.] 

'erb 
[Glaring at Monte.] Not so much of the " Stay 'ere 
with Liz " stuff! You come along with me. See? 

MONTE 

Aw right, 'Erb! Didn't mean nothin'. [Thoroughly 
cowed.] 

'erb 
I should think not, indeed. S'y, Lizzie! Don' tell 
ma yet. I'm goin' aat nex' week. 
-C 168 > 



"REVELATION" 

LIZZIE 

Were ? 

'erb 
Aat there. 

LIZZIE 

Are y'? [Indifferently.] 

'erb 
Yaas. An' mebbe I ain't glad! Nat 'alf ! I'm sick 
o' marchin' abaat an' stickin' bags with a bay 'nit. I 
want t' stick some o' them blighters. Wat oh ! 

LIZZIE 

Oh, my! Ain't we savige! Y' wasn't so anxious a 
w'ile ago. 

'erb 
Well, I am naa. See? 

LIZZIE 

[Sneeringly.] 'Cos y' was ashaimed. Annie maide 
y' ashaimed. 

'erb 
An' w'at if she did.'' 

LIZZIE 

Oh! Annie! 

< 169 > 



OUT THERE 

'erb 
She's done well — ain't she ? 

LIZZIE 

So she says. We ain't seen 'er. 

*ERB 

'Cos she ain't 'ad a chance t' come. 

[To Monte.] 

She's bin maikin' speeches all raan' the country. This 
is 'er firs' night in London. 'Ope / does as well as she 
'as. 'Tain't every one can go aat as she did an' come 
back an' maike speeches. 

LIZZIE 

'Er maikin' speeches! She don' know no more words 
'n I do. 

'erb 

She can use w'at she's got. 

[To Monte.] 

She's bin recruitin' all daan from Liverpool, an' pullin' 
'em in, d'y an' night. W'y, one place she got two — 
an' they didn't even know there was a war on. She's 
wot the paipers calls a — 'yptonist — 

MONTE 

Oh, indeed — is that so ? 

< 170 > 



"REVELATION" 

'erb 

You know! Kind o' sends y' t' sleep, an' we'n y' 
waikes up y're in the army. Thet's w'at she does. 

LIZZIE 

Oh! Annie! Gives me a pain! 

'erb 
Y' wouldn't think they was sisters, would y' .'' 

MONTE 

[Frightenedly.'\ Oh, I dunno. 

LIZZIE 

Yaas, y' do ! W'y don't y' own up ? W'at do 7 care 
if she is a nurse? 

'erb 
She's jealous. Thet's what she is. 

LIZZIE 

Me? 

'erb 
Yaas. 

LIZZIE 

Jealous of Annie? 

'erb 
Thet's w'at I said. 

♦c 171 :^ 



OUT THERE 

LIZZIE 

[Furiously to Monte.] 'Ere, wot d' you think? 

MONTE 

[Alarmed.'] Well, er, — Why, er, — Y' know, 
er, — [Stops.'] 

LIZZIE 

[Imitating him.] Well, er, — Why, er, — You 
know, er, — W'at kind o' talk is thet? 
[Turns to 'Erb.] 
W'y, Annie's — 

'erb 

[Seriously.] 'Ere! Thet's enough o' thet! See? 
She's our sister. And I'm praad of it. France 'ad a 
Joan of Hare! Aw right, then. We've got a Annie 
'Udd ! She showed me w'at for. An' I've never bin 
'appier f'r any thin' I've done than I've bin f'r inlistin'. 
See ? Not even w'en I won me first fight ! Yaas ! An' 
this is a bigger fight 'n thet. I'm goin' to 'it the fellers 
I 'ates, — not me own kind. Thet's w'at she said. See ? 
An' I can look people str'ight in the faice naa as I walks 
daan the street. An' they looks at me in these 'ere — 
[Pointing to his uniform] as if they was praad o' me. 
An' I'm praad o' meself. Thet's Annie's doin'. So you 
jes' shut up talkin' agin 'er. See? 

LIZZIE 

[Turning away, a little ashamed.] Oh! 
< 172 > 



"REVELATION" 

'erb 
[Watches her — then goes to her and puts his hand on 
her shoulder.] Liz I Liz! I didn't mean t' — 

LIZZIE 

[Distractedly. "l Oh! Lea'e me alone, cawn't y'? 
Annie ! Annie ! Annie ! Jes' becos she sneaked 'er 
w'y inter bein' a nurse ! 
[Mrs. Hudd comes in with her bonnet and shawl. She 

is carrying a familiar, large, black bottle.] 

'erb 
'Ere we are, ma ! [Sees the bottle.] Wat oh ! A 
little drop o' "the old," eh? [Takes the bottle, gives a 
cry, puts it down quickly on the table, and wrings his 
fingers.] Bli' me! Wat's in the bottle? 

MRS. HUDD 

'Ot water, dearie. 

'erb 
'Ot water ? 

MRS. HUDD 

Yaas. So good f'r the 'eart, y' know. The pore doc- 
tor h'ordered it with 'is larst breath. 

'erb 
What? Are y' givin' up the " Velvet "? 

MRS. HUDD 

Yaas, 'Erb. I are. 

< 173 > 



OUT THERE 
'erb 



F'r h'ever? 



MRS. HUDD 

No, h'indeed! F'r the duration o' the war. We all 
got t' give up somethin'. So I give h'it up. You don't 
think it will be a long war, do you, 'Erb.'' 

'erb 

Not w'en some of us gets out there — [Digging her 
playfully in the ribs.] You're all right, you are. 'Ere, 
Monte, look slippy. 

[Monte goes up to the door.] 

Put that aat, Liz. 

[Pointing to lamp on dresser, which Lizzie turns out.] 

[Monte opens door.] 

'Ere y' are, ma. You'd better take the bottle — you 
got your gloves on. 

lizzie 

[As they go to outer door.] Fine evenin' this is goin' 
to be ! Annie ! 
[Pushes her way past Monte and Mrs. Hudd, and goes 

out.] 

MRS. HUDD 

My pore gran'farther — 

lizzie 
Oh, gran'farther me 'at! [Opening the outer door.'] 

< 17-i > 



"REVELATION" 

MRS. HUDD 

[To Monte as they go out into the street.] 'E was 
w'at they calls a nachral h'orator ! 

'erb 
[Leaves the inner door open, turns the gas in the cor- 
rid.or down to half -strength, and goes to the outside of 
the outer door.'\ Raan' t' the right! [Bangs the outer 
door.'] Keep on the paivement, ma. An' mind y'r bot- 
tle! 



END OF THE FIRST DIVISION OF PART THREE 



< 175 > 



DIVISION TWO 

A Public Place 
The Nurse 



" REVELATION " 
Division Two 

The scene represents the base of the Nelson Column in 
Trafalgar Square, London, at night. In the distance 
are street lamps dimly lighted. 

Annie stands on the plinth at the base of the column in 
the costume of a fully qualified Red Cross Nurse. 

Below her, and in front of her, is a crowd. 

As the curtain rises the crowd is cheering Annie. 

ANNIE 

It's funny, me standin' up 'ere maikin' speeches ! I 
ain't got much o' w'at y' call a — v'cabyerlerry, but I've 
faand it ain't alwa's the biggest words as maikes big 
things clear. A simple talk is best understood by simple 
people, ain't it? Y' tell 'ow y'r feller loves y' by the 
w'y 'e looks at y', not by w'at 'e says. Y' know a frien's 
a frien' by the hatmosphere thet's maide w'en you're 
together. An' so I want y' t' see love f'r me own kind 
in me eyes as I speak, an' I want y' t' feel a h'atmosphere 
o' frien's — like even w'en I arsts y' t' go aat there an' 
p'r'haps git killed — w'ich don' seem hixac'ly frien'ly, 
do it.^ I ain' f'r war. But I cam' see w'at you're goin' 
-C 179 > 



OUT THERE 

t' do w'en y'r country's in it except 'elp y'r country. 
If you 'old back, you're 'elpin' the enemy, ain't y'? 
There ain't no other w'y o' figgerin'. Naa, suppose y' 
don' go aat. " No," y' says t' y'rself. " Hi got me 
wife an' kids. Hi got me shop." Very well! I'll talk 
yo're kind o' talk. If the henemy ever gits 'ere d' y' 
fink 'e'll let y' keep y'r shop.'' No, young feller-me-lad. 
They need it t' maike up f'r the shops they lef be'ind. 
An' they'll taike it if y' don't 'elp t' keep 'em aat o' y'r 
country. An' y'r wife an' kids! So 'elp me! If y'd 
seen w'at I've seen an' knoo w'at / know, y' wouldn't 
'old back. Y' wouldn' wait f'r 'em t' come into England. 
Y'd be willin' t' go aat an' fight 'em wiv y'r fem'ly miles 
be'ind y' in their 'omes, instead o' waitin' till the henemy 
comes over 'ere an' knocks y'r fem'ly abaat, an' y' 'ave 
t' fight by y'rself — wiv no charnce o' succees, instead 
o' wiv thaasan's o' y'r own kind to 'elp y'. An' w'en it's 
over, w'y, y' won' know w'ere t' go f'r comp'ny — unless 
y' maike up a battalion called " The Never-Do-Nothin'- 
f'r-Nobodies," an' all stick t'gether in a dark corner. 
'Cos y' ain' goin' t' be aible t' 'sociate wiv the lads y' 
knoo afore the war. They've gorn way beyond you, 'cos 
they've realized thet w'en y' s'y " My Country " y' don' 
mean the so-many miles o' dirt thet's called Hingland or 
Hamerica, or w'atever country y' 'appen t' belong t'. 
" Your Country " means your right t' live hindependent 
ori those miles o' dirt — hindependent in y'r bizniss, y'r 
religion, an' y'r fem'ly. 

The bes' thing t' do naa is t' join the army an' pertect 

-C 180 y 



"REVELATION" 

y' wife an' y'r kids an' y'r shop. After the war, w'en 
men realize thet the honly thing as can be perfected t* 
stand aginst the bes' machinery an' the bigges' guns is 
the soul of a people, we won't 'ave no more wars. Up 
t' naa, we ain' give as much attention t' perfectin' the 
sperrit Gawd give us as we 'ave to aar movies an' tele- 
phones. At the presen' time, set a million people armed 
wiv peace-an'-good-will aginst a million people armed 
wiv shrapnel, an' w'at 'appens.'' In the present siter- 
wation the on'y thing t' do is t' horfer peace wiv one 
'and, but be sure the other's full o' shrapnel. Hi know 
a nation w'at's full o' the Gawd-like sperrit. They tried 
it f'r months. They said t' the henemy, "'Ere! W'at 
d' y' mean.^ Doncher know no better.'' Hixplaine y'r- 
self ! W'y did y' do thet? " Did the henemy reco'nize 
it, an' s'y, " W'at a Gawd-like sperrit ! 'Ow Christian- 
like ! " An' act Christian-like in return .'' No ! The 
henemy said, "W'at oh! W'at 'ave we faand.^ 'Ere's 
a nation o' nuts ! " That nation 'as naa realized w'at we 
realized a few years ago — thet a gmi in y'r 'and don't 
mean thet you're goin' t' shoot, but it does maike the 
other feller listen t' w'at you've got t' s'y. 

So come on, young feller-me-lads, an' join up! Give 
me y'r 'an's an' s'y y'll fight f'r y'r country ! Give those 
brutes all the war they want! Give 'em war until the 
very word " War " maikes 'em sick to their stomicks to 
'ear it ! Give 'em war until they pray for peace — the 
honly peace we Henglish will agree to — peace wiv the 
victory of all civilization over the foulest, dirtiest, vilest 
< 181 > 



OUT THERE 

race that ever disfigured this 'ere earth. Come on, boys ! 
Join up! Carry on! Who comes first? 
{^As the hands go up to clasp hers.^ 



THE CURTAIN FALLS 
THE END 



< 182 > 



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